Iranian Military Vows To "Wipe Israel Out Of Existence" If Attacked

Video news coverage of interviews with Iranian military officials conducted in early May reveal the troubling increased contentiousness between the Islamic Republic and Israel. The Iranian commanders in the footage do not indicate that Iran has any intention to make the first move by attacking Israel, but they do unequivocally vow a prompt and forceful retaliation to any Israeli attack. The general commander of the Iranian army, for his part, declares that Iran will only need 11 days to "wipe Israel out of existence." Here is an excerpt from the transcript from MEMRI:

Iranian Chief-of-Staff General Hassan Firouzabadi: We are fully prepared to confront any attack that would threaten the interests of Iran. We have sufficient means and the necessary force to defend our territory.

General Ataollah Salehi, general commander of the Iranian army: The truth is that Israel does not have the courage to attack us. If we are subjected to any attack by Israel, I do not think we will need more than 11 days to wipe Israel out of existence.

The video, with subtitles, may be viewed here.

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