Iran on Tuesday rejected calls to refrain from retaliatory attacks against Israel over the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last month. Israel, which did not say it was involved in Haniyeh’s assassination, has meanwhile put its military on its highest alert level.
Iranian state news agency Irna reported that Pezeshkian had told Sir Kier that Western countries’ support for Israel had encouraged it to “continue atrocities” and threatened peace and security.
“Pezeshkian stated that from the point of view of the Islamic Republic of Iran, war in any part of the world is not in the interest of any country, emphasizing that a punitive response to an aggressor is a legal right of states and a way to stop crime and aggression,” Irna said.
In response, Iran’s foreign ministry dismissed calls for restraint from London, Paris, and Berlin as “politically illogical” and excessive. Spokesman Nasser Kaanani labeled these demands as contrary to international law principles.
The Israeli military has taken Iran’s statements seriously, with Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari declaring that Israel is at full readiness for both offense and defense.
An Israeli government spokesman warned of severe consequences for any aggression from Iran or its allies.
In the U.S., National Security Council spokesman John Kirby expressed shared concerns with Israel about potential imminent threats, urging preparedness for possible attacks. To bolster support for Israel, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has deployed a second aircraft carrier strike group and a ballistic missile submarine to the region.
The U.S. is advocating for a ceasefire deal and resumption of talks, scheduled for Thursday, to ease regional tensions. Israel is preparing negotiators to finalize an agreement, while Hamas, despite the recent killing of its leader, has signaled a willingness to negotiate based on prior discussions.
Since Israel’s military campaign began on October 7, following a deadly attack by Hamas, over 39,920 people have died in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Additionally, ongoing exchanges of fire between Hezbollah and Israeli forces have resulted in further casualties along the Israel-Lebanon border.
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