Iran tests Trump as regime general says it will wipe Israel off the map

Iran’s Ominous Threats Against Israel and the United States

In a chilling escalation of tensions, a high-ranking Iranian general has vowed to launch a devastating attack aimed at obliterating Israel, a key U.S. ally in the Middle East. The threat, made by General Ebrahim Jabbari of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), comes amid heightened tensions following President Donald Trump’s decision to reimpose crippling economic sanctions on the Islamic Republic. Jabbari’s remarks, aired by Iranian regime media, were unequivocal and menacing: "Operation True Promise 3 will be carried out at the right time, with precision, and on a scale sufficient to destroy Israel and raze Tel Aviv and Haifa to the ground." These statements underscore the deep-seated animosity between Iran and Israel, as well as the broader geopolitical struggle in the region.

A History of Hostility and Military Posturing

Iran’s threats against Israel are not new, but they have taken on a particularly dangerous tone in recent years. In 2024, Tehran launched two massive aerial attacks against Israel, showcasing its military capabilities and intent. Jabbari’s latest declaration appears to be a continuation of this aggressive posture, with Iran signaling its readiness to escalate tensions further. The timing of his comments is significant, as they coincided with military drills dubbed "The Great Exercise of Prophet Mohammad’s Power," a show of strength designed to intimidate both Israel and the United States. Jabbari also took aim at Washington, asserting that "the United States can do nothing against Yemen," a reference to the Trump administration’s efforts to counter the Iran-backed Houthi movement in Yemen. This rhetoric reflects Iran’s broader strategy of challenging U.S. influence in the Middle East while consolidating its own power.

Israel’s Firm Response and the Lessons of History

Israeli officials have responded swiftly and resolutely to Iran’s latest threats. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar issued a stark warning on social media, saying, "If the Jewish people have learned anything from history, it is this: if your enemy says his goal is to annihilate you—believe him. We are ready." This statement echoes the gravity of the situation and highlights Israel’s determination to defend itself against existential threats. Middle East expert Tom Gross echoed Sa’ar’s sentiments, noting that Iran’s genocidal threats must be taken seriously. He pointed to the October 7, 2023, onslaught—likely referring to Hamas’s surprise attack on Israel—as an example of what happens when such threats are underestimated. Gross emphasized that ignoring Iran’s aggressive rhetoric and actions only emboldens its leadership and its terrorist proxies, such as Hamas.

Iran’s Fixation on Trump and the Shadow of Assassination

Iran’s animosity toward the United States, particularly under the Trump administration, is a central theme in its recent saber-rattling. The Islamic Republic has reportedly been plotting to assassinate Donald Trump since the U.S. drone strike that killed IRGC General Qassem Soleimani in 2020. The U.S. State Department had deemed Soleimani responsible for the deaths of over 600 U.S. troops during the Iraq War, labeling him a key architect of Iranian terrorism. Trump’s response to these assassination plots was characteristically blunt: "If they did that, they would be obliterated. That would be the end. … There won’t be anything left." This exchanges highlight the deep personal and political animosity between Trump and Iran’s leadership, with both sides engaging in a dangerous game of brinkmanship.

Expert Insights: Why Iran’s Threats Should Not Be Ignored

Experts warn that Iran’s belligerent rhetoric and actions must not be dismissed as mere posturing. Tom Gross, a leading Middle East analyst, pointed out that Iran’s regime is "nervous" and "terrified" of Trump’s presidency, particularly given the strain on its economy and the erosion of its regional influence. Gross also noted that Iran’s threats against Israel could be an attempt to intimidate the U.S. and Israel into backing off from efforts to confront Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. Banafsheh Zand, an Iranian-American expert on the Islamic Republic, echoed these concerns, lamenting that Western leaders have repeatedly ignored Iran’s threats and actions, allowing the regime to pursue its destructive agenda unchecked. Zand criticized the West’s "short-sighted" and "greedy" approach to dealing with Iran, which she argued has empowered the regime and placed the region and the world at greater risk.

The Broader Implications: A Cycle of Conflict and Miscalculation

The ongoing tensions between Iran, Israel, and the United States are part of a larger cycle of conflict that has defined the region for decades. Iran’s threats against Israel and its assassination plots against Trump are symptoms of a deeper ideological and geopolitical struggle. While the West has often underestimated Iran’s intentions, experts like Zand and Gross argue that the regime’s actions and rhetoric must be taken at face value. The stakes are high: miscalculations on any side could lead to a catastrophic war with far-reaching consequences for the region and the world. At the same time, the human cost of these tensions—on civilians in Iran, Israel, and beyond—cannot be overlooked. The cycle of hostility and mistrust must be broken if there is to be any hope for peace and stability in the Middle East.