Tehran(TheCOWNews Digital)In the aftermath of Iran’s large-scale retaliatory strike on Israel, thousands of Iranian citizens poured into the streets, celebrating the military response and chanting slogans in support of the Iranian armed forces.
According to Iranian state media, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched over 100 ballistic missiles targeting Israeli military installations, in what has been dubbed “Operation Wa’ad-e-Sadiq 3” (Operation True Promise 3). The attack comes in response to Israel’s earlier airstrikes on Iranian territory, which killed dozens, including senior military and scientific figures.
The mood across Iran shifted dramatically following the counteroffensive, with citizens waving national flags, distributing sweets, and expressing solidarity with the nation’s defense forces. Public squares in major cities like Tehran, Isfahan, and Shiraz were filled with supporters chanting anti-Israel slogans and affirming Iran’s right to defend itself.
Iranian state broadcasters aired continuous footage of the celebrations, showing families and young people joining in nationalistic displays. Many participants carried placards praising the IRGC and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, while condemning Israeli aggression.
Iranian media further claimed that the country’s defense forces had successfully shot down two Israeli aircraft, capturing one of the pilots — a woman — who is now reportedly in custody. While this claim has yet to be independently verified, it has added to the public fervor and sense of military triumph being projected by Iranian outlets.
Initial reports from Israel suggest at least 22 injuries as a result of the missile barrage, with damage reported at multiple military locations. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, but the attack marks one of the most significant escalations between the two nations in recent years.
International observers remain deeply concerned as both sides continue to exchange fire amidst growing regional instability. Calls for de-escalation are mounting, but Iran has stated it will not back down if its sovereignty or people are threatened again.
With tensions at a boiling point, Iran’s domestic response indicates strong public backing for its leadership’s aggressive military posture — at least for now.
