Iran has reportedly completed its preparations for a military counterstrike in response to any potential Israeli operations inside its borders, according to reports from Iranian media on Sunday. Quoting a military source, the Tasnim News Agency disclosed, “the necessary response plan for any possible Zionist action is fully prepared. If Israel acts, the Iranian counterattack will be executed.”

The Israel Defense Forces have pledged to deliver a “significant response” to the large-scale ballistic missile attack Iran carried out last week. While reports suggest that Israel has threatened to target Iranian oil or nuclear facilities if provoked, U.S. efforts to calm tensions have left the exact nature of Israel’s next move uncertain.

An Iranian military official, speaking with the news agency, claimed that “Tehran has a list of numerous Israeli targets” and emphasized that “the operation demonstrates our capability to destroy any point we choose.”

In a related development, Iran’s Mehr News Agency reported that an official announced the suspension of all flights from Iranian airports from 9 p.m. Sunday until 6 a.m. Monday.

In recognition of what was described as a “brilliant operation,” Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei awarded a medal of honor to Amir Ali Hajizadeh, commander of the IRGC Aerospace Force, following two missile strikes on Israel—one last week and a previous one in April.

Notably missing from the event was Esmail Qaani, the commander of Iran’s Quds Force. Since last Sunday, Qaani has not been seen in public, and a New York Times report, citing three Iranian sources, claimed that Qaani had traveled to Beirut last week to meet with senior Hezbollah officials.

Over the weekend, rumors about Qaani’s status began to circulate. Some speculated that he may have been killed in a strike on Dahieh, while others suggested that the situation remains more obscure. Saudi media outlets Al-Hadath and Al-Arabiya reported that Qaani is currently being kept in “isolation” following a series of Israeli assassinations of high-ranking Iranian leaders.

Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant visited Nevatim Air Force Base on Sunday, which had sustained damage during the recent missile strike. His office stated that he received a briefing from Brigadier General Yotam Sigler, the base commander, about ongoing squadron operations in active combat zones, emphasizing the importance of maintaining readiness for potential future offensives.

In addressing personnel at the base, Gallant noted, “The actions of the Air Force, both in defense and offense, are vital to the safety of Israeli citizens. The Iranians have not even scratched the capabilities of the Air Force; no squadron has been harmed, no aircraft damaged, no runway rendered unusable, and there is no disruption to our operational continuity. Anyone believing that attempting to harm Israel will deter us from responding should observe developments in Gaza and Beirut.”

Hinting at a potential Israeli retaliation, Gallant added, “We are strong in both defense and offense, and we will manifest this strength in the manner we choose, at the time we choose, and in the place we choose. This is not merely a statement or a direction for us, but an actionable plan. You know what to do, we know what to do, and, ultimately, we will ensure victory in this conflict, secure the return of hostages, and bring Northern residents back to their homes with significant deterrence in place, as clearly demonstrated over the past month.”

{Matzav.com Israel}