Fani-Kayode has hailed Iran retaliation against Israel, describing it as “just the beginning”. The former Minister of Aviation made the statement after Iran launched hundreds of ballistic missiles towards Israel, which Iran described as the start of its “crushing response” to Israeli attacks.
Fani-Kayode claimed that the Iranians were lured into a false sense of security by the United States while Israel was preparing for war. “The Islamic Republic of Iran has finally hit back and struck the Jewish state with missiles and drones. This was inevitable and it is just the beginning,” he said.
According to Fani-Kayode, the Israeli attack on Iran was “not only unprovoked but also a condemnable violation of international law. It is indeed a declaration of war.” He noted that Israel had targeted and bombed key Iranian infrastructures, killed Iranian civilians, including women and children, and key military and civilian leaders and nuclear scientists.
Fani-Kayode questioned the notion that Israel had a right to self-defense, asking, “Does Iran not have the same right after being attacked? Are the Iranians not entitled to defend themselves, too?” He emphasized that Iran’s retaliatory attack was just the beginning and warned that the conflict could escalate beyond the Middle East.
“Iran MUST and WILL retaliate and they will do so in a dramatic fashion. The retaliatory attack that Iran launched this evening is just the beginning and by the time this is all over there may be no Zionist state left,” Fani-Kayode stated. He also condemned those who support Israel, saying they are “nothing but cowards who fail to appreciate the fact that the beast that they are applauding will eventually turn on them”.
Iran Fires Ballistic Missiles at Tel Aviv, Israel Vows Retaliation
Iran in retaliation launched a barrage of ballistic missiles at central Tel Aviv, injuring 34 people. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz condemned the attack, saying Iran had “crossed a red line” by firing missiles at populated civilian areas in Israel. Tehran fired fewer than 100 surface-to-surface missiles in two waves, with most being intercepted by Israel’s military.
According to Israel’s military, the majority of the missiles were successfully intercepted. However, the attack marked a significant escalation in the conflict between the two nations. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had earlier warned that Israel “should expect severe punishment” for its wide-ranging attack on Iran’s nuclear program and military leadership.
Recall that the Israeli attacks on Iran which began early Friday local time, killed 78 people and wounded over 320, according to an Iranian official. The strikes targeted dozens of sites, including the Fordow enrichment plant, punching a hole in Tehran’s military leadership. IRGC commander Hossein Salami and two other generals were among those killed.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that the military operation would last “as many days as it takes.” A senior Israeli official revealed that the operation was planned to last 14 days. Agents had smuggled explosive drones and guided weapons into Iran before the attacks.
US President Donald Trump told The Wall Street Journal that he was aware of Israel’s plans to attack Iran. “Heads-up? It wasn’t a heads-up. It was, we know what’s going on,” he said. Trump urged Iran’s leadership to make a deal “before there is nothing left.”
