Iran rattles sword despite dismal failure
Iran has marked its annual Army Day by showing off a range of weapons including attack drones and longrange ballistic missiles in a military parade in Tehran.
As well as weaponry and thousands of soldiers on display, the parade featured antiUS propaganda, including trucks hauling signs declaring “Down with USA” with a fist punching through the US flag.
President Ebrahim Raisi addressed troops at the parade on Wednesday, days after Iran launched its first-ever direct attack on Israel when it launched more than 300 drones and missiles in response to an air strike on its consulate in Damascus.
While Israel vowed to respond, Mr Raisi told the troops “the slightest act of aggression” by Israel would lead to “a fierce and severe response”.
Despite failing to inflict serious damage, Mr Raisi said the strike on Israel, dubbed Honest Promise, “brought down the glory of the Zionist regime (Israel)” and showed “our armed forces are ready”.
Israel considered carrying out a strike on Iran in retaliation but aborted the plan, according to media outlets in the US and Israel.
Israeli public broadcaster Kan reported that following discussions with US President Joe Biden, Israeli Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu decided not to proceed with prearranged plans for retaliatory strikes on Iran.
“Diplomatic sensitivities came into play,” a senior Israeli official said.
EU leaders agreed to impose sanctions on Iran’s drone and missile producers.
“The idea is to target the companies that are needed for the drones, for the missiles,” EU chief Charles Michel said.