Iran Threatens Strong Response as US B-52 Bombers Arrive in Middle East

Tehran: Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has issued a stark warning to the United States and Israel, pledging a "tooth-breaking" response to what he deems escalating provocations from the two nations. This declaration follows intensified military actions by Israel in Lebanon and coincides with the approach of the U.S. presidential election, during which Washington has reaffirmed its strong support for Israel.

Ayatollah Khamenei stated, "Our enemies, particularly the USA and the Zionist regime, should be prepared for a retaliatory response." He emphasized that Iran is ready to support its allies across the Middle East, notably groups aligned with Tehran, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and factions in Yemen and Syria.

Amid rising tensions, Kamal Kharrazi, a senior advisor to Khamenei, hinted at a potential shift in Iran's nuclear stance if the country perceives a severe threat to its sovereignty. Speaking to Lebanese media, Kharrazi remarked, "If an existential threat arises, Iran will adapt its nuclear doctrine. We have the capability to develop such weapons if necessary."

Ongoing Clashes and Recent Airstrikes

Tensions have escalated since early October when Iran launched a missile strike. Israel responded on October 26, targeting Iranian military facilities and reportedly inflicting damage on missile and air defense infrastructure. Iran, in turn, has vowed retaliation, intensifying the regional standoff.

In a recent development, Israeli commandos captured a senior Hezbollah operative in Lebanon's Batroun. According to Israeli military sources, the detained individual is a skilled maritime operative and is currently undergoing interrogation in Israel. Lebanese leaders, including Prime Minister Najib Mikati, have condemned the incident and urged the United Nations to investigate.

Humanitarian Crisis Worsens in Gaza

Amid the escalating violence, Gaza's humanitarian conditions have significantly deteriorated. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported a missile attack on a polio vaccination center in northern Gaza, injuring six people, including children. WHO’s Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, expressed deep concern over the strike, calling it "deeply troubling."

Meanwhile, Israeli forces continue their operations in Gaza, reporting numerous militant casualties in Jabalia. Civilian casualties are also mounting, with Gaza’s health ministry reporting over 43,000 deaths since hostilities intensified—a figure that Israeli sources dispute.

Rising Conflict on Israel's Northern Border

The situation remains volatile on Israel’s northern frontier as well, where Israeli airstrikes have led to significant casualties and displacement in Lebanon. Nearly 2,000 people have been reported dead, and thousands more have been forced to flee as Hezbollah retaliates with rocket attacks, targeting sites near Haifa and Tel Aviv.

In response to these mounting tensions, the United States has deployed B-52 bombers to the region, aiming to deter further escalation and signal its commitment to regional stability.