Iranians wave Iranian, Palestinian and Hezbollah flags during an anti-Israeli rally after Iran launched a missile attack against Israel the previous night, in Imam Hussein Square in Tehran, Iran, 02 October 2024. EFE/EPA/ABEDIN TAHERKENAREH

Thousands celebrate in Iran following missile attack on Israel

Tehran, Oct 2 (EFE).- Thousands of Iranians took to the streets on Wednesday to celebrate Iran’s large-scale missile attack on Israel the previous day, while others expressed concern over potential consequences as tensions escalate in the Middle East.

Crowds chanted slogans such as “Death to Israel” and “Death to the United States,” waving Iranian, Palestinian, and Lebanese flags, and holding portraits of Hezbollah’s slain leader, Hassan Nasrallah.

An Iranian woman holds up a picture of late Hezbollah leader Hasan Nasrallah during an anti-Israeli rally after Iran launched a missile attack against Israel the previous night, in Imam Hussein Square in Tehran, Iran, 02 October 2024. EFE/EPA/ABEDIN TAHERKENAREH

Gathering in several cities, including the capital Tehran, participants played patriotic songs in of the “Axis of Resistance,” an anti-Israel and pro-Iran militia alliance, which includes Lebanon’s Hezbollah, Palestine’s Hamas, Yemen’s Houthis, and other militant groups in Syria and Iraq.

“Haniyeh, Sayed Hasan, your path continues,” chanted the crowds, referring to Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh – who was also assassinated in Tehran in July – and Hezbollah’s chief Nasrallah, according to the official IRNA news agency.

The celebrations occurred a day after Iran launched hundreds of ballistic missiles at Israel.

People burn an Israeli flag as they gather for an anti-Israel rally following a missile attack carried out by Iran against Israel the previous night, at Imam Hussein Square in Tehran, Iran, 02 October 2024. EFE/EPA/ABEDIN TAHERKENAREH

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said the attack was retaliation for the killings of Nasrallah and Iranian General Abbas Nilforushan in Beirut on Sep. 28, as well as Haniyeh’s.

However, despite the celebrations, some Iranians expressed concerns about the consequences of the attack, as Israel has vowed to retaliate for the missile barrage.

“I think it would have been better if Iran had not attacked Israel,” said Mahan, a 58-year-old housewife, while voicing her concerns about the potential repercussions of the attack.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened a retaliation, warning that Iran had made a “big mistake” and would face consequences for the missile attack. EFE

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