MojNews_ Bahadori Jahromi made the remarks after the assassination of a member of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) in Tehran and fresh Israeli threats against the Islamic Republic.  

“The essence of the usurping Zionist regime has been and still is clear. The illegitimate establishment of this regime is based on terrorism, oppression and violation of rights, and its survival is based on this terrorist nature,” he said.

“The Islamic Republic’s red line is the security of its citizens and in order to maintain security and safeguard the security of the public, it will take whatever retaliatory measure which is needed as countermeasure against any external act" by Israel, Bahadori Jahromi warned.

He said Iran's position regarding Israel is obvious which, he said, will never change. He called on international organizations to adopt a clear stance on "this illegitimate entity" and take vivid action against its illegal and terrorist acts. 

Last month, Iranian Col. Hassan Sayyad Khodayee was shot five times in his car by two unidentified gunmen on motorbikes in the middle of Tehran.

Israel, which has not officially commented on the incident, reportedly raised the security alert level at its embassies and consulates around the world, fearing a retaliatory Iranian attack.

An unnamed intelligence official told the New York Times that Israel told US officials it was behind the assassination.

Last week, the commander of the Iranian army’s ground force warned Israel that any mistake against Iran could result in Tel Aviv and Haifa being leveled.

“For any mistake made by the enemy, we will raze Tel Aviv and Haifa to the ground by the order of the Supreme Leader,” General Kiomars Heidari said.