IRGC commander-in-chief vows' different 'revenge on Israel

There was a period when Iran's aggressive rhetoric against Israel was relatively calm, but IRGC Commander Hossein Salami said Sunday that Iran's revenge against Israel would be “something different.”

“Israel will experience bitter revenge for their own wicked acts,” Commander Salami threatened.

Over a month since Hamas leader Ismail Haneh was murdered in Tehran on July 31, senior Iranian government officials have continued to condemn Israel's attacks and threaten to take tough measures. However, unlike Israel's large-scale missile attacks and drone attacks after attacking the Iranian consulate in Damascus in April, there has been no direct retaliation by Iran.

Meanwhile, senior Iranian government officials have softened rhetoric, suggesting that Tehran's reaction may not involve a large-scale direct attack. However, while Salami's statement on Sunday is a new threat, it also indicates the possibility that Tehran is avoiding a major escalation. His remarks suggest a more calculated and probably asymmetrical response than an immediate overt military operation.

Hossein Salami was asked about “when, where, and how” Iran's retaliation against Israel will be carried out, and stated: “It will definitely be different from before, and this mystery will be solved for everyone when the time comes,” according to Tasnim News Agency, which is under the umbrella of the IRGC.

Hossein Salami said at a rally held in Yasuji on Sunday evening that Israel is “surrounded by Muslims,” referring to Iran's anticipated revenge, and added that a “nightmare of inevitable action” is shaking Israel day and night. He also commented on Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu's protest against Hamas's failure to release the hostages, and said, “They can't continue their political lives and we are witnessing signs of their political downfall.”

The IRGC commander-in-chief previously answered questions from reporters about retaliation for the murder of Ismail Hanye in Tehran and stated, “We will hear good news.” On Tuesday, September 3, Mostafa Rostami, head of Khamenei's representative office at the university, said, “We are waiting for revenge against the blood of martyrs, especially the blood of martyrs who were our guests. This revenge has been delayed due to considerations, but it is certain.”

After Hanye's murder, Iran immediately vowed revenge, but faced a dilemma. Direct attacks could cause large-scale military escalations and expose key targets within Iran to retaliation. On the other hand, failure to act will damage Iran's credibility in the region, particularly among allies and proxy forces. As a result, Tehran was placed in a difficult position to balance the need to maintain its reputation with the risk of further escalating the conflict.