JERUSALEM (VINnews) — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the citizens of Iran on Tuesday evening with a special message marking the Iranian holiday of Nowruz, the Persian new years day which falls on Friday, March 20. Despite its Zoroastrian origins, Nowruz is now celebrated by a diverse group of people, including many Persian Jews.

Speaking from the Israeli Air Force command bunker at the Kirya in Tel Aviv, Netanyahu said:“I am here with Israel’s Defense Minister, our Chief of Staff, the head of the Mossad, the commander of the Air Force, and our senior commanders.

“In the past 24 hours, we have eliminated two of the heads of terror, senior terrorists of this tyranny.

“Our aircraft are striking terrorist operatives in the field, on the roads, and in public squares. This is intended to allow the brave Iranian people to celebrate the Festival of Fire. So go out and celebrate—and happy Nowruz. We are watching from above.”

Netanyahu’s address comes amid dire warnings from government officials in Iran,  stating that any “noise, commotion or unconventional behaviour” during the festival that disrupts public order could result in punishments including imprisonment and flogging.

The wave of warnings followed messages by Iran’s exiled Prince Reza Pahlavi in recent days addressed to Iranians and the “international community and friends of Iran.”

He urged citizens to celebrate Charshanbeh Suri (the fire festival prior to the new year) in “alleys and neighborhoods across the country” and called on global observers to keep their eyes on Iran and “not to allow the regime to use violence against the people determined to celebrate life, light and hope in the face of darkness.”

In a separate message, he directly urged Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu to closely monitor developments on the night of the festival.

In a further video message posted Tuesday, he urged Iranians to avoid confrontation with government forces while warning security personnel to leave people in peace.

“These malevolent agents intend to drag your festival of light, purity and life into darkness, filth and death. Do not give them this opportunity,” he said.