As tensions soar between Iran and Israel, an Iranian political analyst has asserted that Iran will continue to respond in kind to attacks from the Israeli side to the very end.
Foad Izad, a professor at Tehran University, shared these insights during an exclusive Saturday interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), as Israeli strikes continued across Iranian cities — a situation that is heightening concerns about potential prolonged confrontation.
Izad described the Israeli military campaign as an effort to induce destabilization in Iranian politics.
"I think this is a regime change operation. Netanyahu had a message for the people of Iran — asked the people of Iran to unite — and actually, they did, and they united against him. There were many demonstrations yesterday against these attacks. I think ultimately Israelis want to do to Iran what they did in Syria, in Libya, and places like that," he said.
As the conflict shows no signs of abating, Izadi believes Iran is preparing for a drawn-out exchange if necessary.
"It depends on the other side. Israel has attacked, and Iran responded. Israel is attacking today, and Iran will respond again tonight. And I think Iranian government officials will have the last shot. So Israelis have started this, but the time of the end of it will be decided by Iran," he said.
Reflecting on Iran's latest retaliatory strikes, Izadi emphasized the country's readiness and necessity to respond.
"Iran's capacity is quite extensive, and there is no other choice. Because if there is no cost in attacking Iran, they will continue the attacks. They would want to see Tehran turning into Gaza or another Beirut, and Iran cannot allow that. So the only option Iran has is to respond to the other side," said the professor.
Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) launched late Saturday night a "large-scale combined offensive operation" against Israel, involving a significant number of missiles and drones, the IRGC's official news outlet Sepah News reported.
The IRGC's aerospace division carried out the attack, stating it was in response to Israel's "repeated aggressions" against Iran, according to Sepah.
In Israel, a rocket struck a residential building in a northern community, killing one woman and injuring 13 others, according to Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel's national emergency medical service. Several others sustained moderate to light injuries, and four individuals were treated for anxiety, MDA said.
Earlier in the day, MDA reported that at least three people had been killed and 204 others injured since the beginning of the Iranian offensive.
The Iranian offensive came in retaliation for Israeli airstrikes conducted early Friday, which targeted Tehran and several other cities. Iranian authorities said the Israeli strikes resulted in the deaths of multiple senior military commanders, nuclear scientists, and dozens of civilians.
Iran to ultimately dictate endgame in escalating conflict with Israel: Iranian professor
