Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz issued a direct and alarming threat against the civilian population of Tehran, vowing that the residents of Iran’s capital “will pay the price, and soon.”

Katz’s provocative statement follows Israel’s recent wave of airstrikes on Iran, which began on June 13 in an unprovoked assault that killed top Iranian commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians. Iran's Ministry of Health has confirmed the deaths of 224 civilians thus far, the majority of whom are women and children, following repeated Israeli bombardments targeting residential neighborhoods and civilian infrastructure.

Despite the heavy civilian toll in Iran, Katz accused the Islamic Republic of launching missile strikes at Israeli civilian areas in retaliation — an attempt, he claimed, to deter the Israeli occupation forces from “destroying [Iran’s] capabilities.” However, it was Israel that initiated the escalation with a series of deadly, surprise attacks.

In retaliation, Iran launched a measured military response, striking several strategic targets in Israel, including areas near the U.S. Embassy branch in Tel Aviv. According to Israeli media, 23 Israeli citizens have been killed since the beginning of hostilities, while Channel 12 reported that Iran launched 11 waves of attacks, including 370 missiles and over 100 drones.

“If Iran attacks from its territory, Israel will respond and attack in Iran,” Katz threatened in a post on social media platform X, placing full responsibility on Iran’s leadership. His comments, however, ignore the fact that Israeli aggression was the initial trigger for the ongoing confrontation.

The statement has drawn widespread concern from human rights organizations, warning of the grave implications of threatening mass civilian casualties and the dangers of further regional escalation.

Iranian officials have yet to formally respond to Katz’s remarks but maintain that the Islamic Republic’s actions are in self-defense and in line with international law. Calls for de-escalation are growing amid fears of a broader regional conflict, but Israeli rhetoric continues to move toward open warfare against civilian populations. (ILKHA)