Iran has hailed the success of their attack on Israel - as the state remains embroiled in conflict with Hamas in Gaza - at their annual military parade.
The parade comes after a weekend of violent drone and missile attacks they deem a "success", with military leaders coming together on Wednesday. With fears of WW3 growing , one particularly worrying scene unfolded at the annual show of military force and prowess, as a chilling sign was displayed saying simply "down with USA".
READ MORE: Map shows empty Middle East airspace as flights canceled or diverted after Iran's attack on Israel
Tensions between Iran and the West have been prominent over the past couple of years, but Israel's strike on the Iranian Embassy in Damascus sparked fury and reaction from Iran. The strike levelled the five-storey consular annex of the Iranian embassy and killed seven Revolutionary Guards, two of them generals.
In his speech, Iranian President Raisi blasted countries that had "sought to normalize relations" with Israel, particularly amid the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Gaza. "These countries are now humiliated in front of their own people which constitutes a strategic failure for the regime" of Israel, he added.
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The US has been instrumental in creating harmony with Israel and the wider world. In 2020, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco normalized relations with Israel as part of the US-brokered Abraham Accords, which was adamantly criticized by Palestinians.
"This operation showed that our armed forces are ready," Raisi said in a speech addressed to the regular army and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The parade saw the Iranian armed forces show off a range of military equipment including drones and long-range ballistic missiles.
Israel has not taken the Iranian action lying down and military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari declared that Iran would not get off "scot-free". Raisi responded on Wednesday and reiterated warnings that "the slightest act of aggression" by Israel would lead to "a fierce and severe response".
Islamic Republic of Iran Army Day is celebrated on the 18th April every year.