TEHRAN -- Iranian Foreign Minister Hussein Amir-Abdollahian said Monday drone and missile attacks carried out by the Iranian armed forces last week against the Zionist regime “redefined the balance of power in the West Asia region.”
In a letter addressed to senior commanders of the Iranian armed forces, Amir-Abdollahian said that Operation True Promise, which was carried out by Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) in coordination with the Iranian Army and Chief of Staff, was a show of deterrence from the Iranian Armed Forces.
“The victorious True Promise Operation created more capacities for the Iranian diplomatic apparatus in the field of regional and international relations while it boosted the sense of patriotism and national pride among the entire people of the Islamic Iran,” he said in the message.
IRGC’s Aerospace Force launched more than 300 drones and missiles on targets in the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories in the early hours of Sunday.
The attack was meant to punish the Zionist regime for an airstrike carried out in early April on the Iranian consulate in Syria which martyred senior IRGC commanders.
Amir-Abdollahian said the IRGC operation was in compliance with international law and regulations and was in line with Iran’s right to legitimate defense.
He said the complicated military operation was also a response to “evil measures” of Israel in the region, adding that it would accelerate the collapse of the fake system run by the Zionists.
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) warned of a “much harsher response” against any further action by Israel.
In a statement on Sunday, the SNSC said that Iran carried out the retaliatory attack, dubbed Operation True Promise, because Israel “crossed Iran’s red lines” by attacking its diplomatic premises in the Syrian capital Damascus on April 1.
It said the operation was in accordance with Article 2 of the UN Charter which urges all UN members to refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.
“Should the Israeli regime plan to continue its wicked actions against Iran, by any means or methods or at any levels, it will get a response ten times harsher,” it warned.
The SNSC also said that by carrying out Operation True Promise, Iran exercised its inherent right of self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter.
“The operation was the least punitive action necessary to safeguard Iran’s national interest and security,” the statement said.
“Iranian missiles and drones targeted Israeli military and air bases, and we refrained from attacking their civic infrastructure and for now the operation has been completed, and we do not intend to continue,” it said.
Iran’s retaliatory strikes on the Israeli-occupied territories signify the end of the “strategic patience” era, according to the Iranian president’s deputy chief of staff for political affairs.
“Iran’s victorious Operation True Promise means that the era of strategic patience is over and the Israeli strategy of war between wars has been defeated,” Muhammad Jamshidi wrote.
He said the operation changed the equation.  The official warned Israel of Iran’s “direct and punishing response” if the regime targets Iranian personnel and assets.
Army chief Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi said Iran will not hesitate to give a

 
 “stormy and unified” response to any act of aggression against it.
In a Monday message marking the National Army Day, Mousavi said great defensive measures of the country’s army and armed forces have resulted in strong deterrent power.
Iran has conveyed its message of power to the world in a way that the world has realized that the Iranian Armed Forces will give a “stormy and unified” response to any aggression against the country’s national interests, borders and security, he asserted.
The top commander noted that Iran’s firm response to an act of aggression by the usurping Israeli enemy against its diplomatic premises in the Syrian capital of Damascus brought joy to oppressed nations, especially the resilient people of Palestine and Gaza.
Mousavi emphasized that the retaliatory strikes, dubbed Operation True Promise, revealed only a part of the capacity and strong will of the Iranian armed forces and were carried out in cooperation among the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Division, the army, and the defense ministry.
He said the army has played a key role in strengthening the country’s defense power, independence and lasting security by implementing various measures.
It has constructed strategic drone and underground tactical bases and made hundreds of modern defense achievements in the land, air, sea and space sectors in addition to advancing in the fields of science and technology, he explained.
Now the enemies lack the courage to carry out any act of aggression against the Islamic establishment and the noble Iranian nation, the top commander said.
He added that Iran has staged several joint military drills to enhance national security and dignity.