### Iranian Supreme Leader Vows Retaliation Against Israel

In a pointed address on Saturday, Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei pledged a "crushing response" to Israel's recent strikes on Iranian military and missile defense sites. Khamenei asserted that these attacks would "not go unanswered," hinting at the possibility of coordinated actions from Iranian-backed groups.

Speaking before an audience in Tehran, Ayatollah Khamenei delivered his most direct statement yet about a potential Iranian retaliatory strike in response to Israeli actions on October 26. While not specifying whether any counterattacks would directly involve Iran, Khamenei's remarks have fueled speculation that Tehran might leverage its influence in neighboring Iraq to conduct any retaliatory operations.

Israeli officials have been closely monitoring the situation and have noted an increase in intelligence suggesting that Iran is preparing for retaliation. The heightened rhetoric and movements on both sides underscore the escalating tensions and the potential for further conflict in the region.