TEHRAN: The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) announced that Iran is preparing a "regretful response" to the renewed Israeli attacks on Lebanon, warning that any assault on Hezbollah is an assault on Iran, Mehr News Agency (MNA) reported.
Just hours after the Pakistan-brokered ceasefire was announced, which also includes a cessation of hostilities in Lebanon, Israeli airstrikes on Beirut and surrounding areas killed at least 112 people and wounded 837 others, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry.
Brigadier General Majid Mousavi, the head of the IRGC Aerospace Force, wrote on social media that the field is already preparing a heavy response.
"An attack on the proud Hezbollah is an attack on Iran," Mousavi said.
"The field is preparing a heavy response to the regime's brutal crimes. My dear people, the real fuel of the missiles is your united presence on the streets."
In a separate statement, the IRGC directly addressed both Washington and Tel Aviv.
"Not even hours have passed since the ceasefire agreement, and the wolf-like Zionist regime, whose predatory nature and the killing of innocents, children and women is an inseparable part of its identity, has begun a savage massacre in Beirut," the IRGC said.
"We strongly warn the treacherous United States and its partner; if the aggressions against dear Lebanon are not immediately stopped, we will fulfil our duty and deliver a regretful response to the evil aggressors in the region."
The strikes targeted residential neighbourhoods in Beirut and various parts across southern Lebanon, levelling buildings and burying families under rubble.
Rescue workers continued searching for survivors late into the night.
The two-week ceasefire between Iran and the United States had been announced earlier Wednesday, following 100 waves of Iranian retaliatory strikes under Operation True Promise 4. — Bernama-MNA
