A spokesman for Iran’s foreign ministry stressed that Iran is constantly calling for a cease-fire deal in Gaza, but was clear that the issue has nothing to do with Tehran’s legitimate right to respond to Israel’s killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.
“The ceasefire is an international demand, more than ten months of killing must stop, and these negotiations continue within the framework of the global demand and the will of the Palestinian side,” Nasser Kanaani said in response to questions from journalists.
Iran was the most important and strongest international advocate for stopping the war in Gaza, he said, adding that Tehran would continue to support other countries’ efforts in this regard.
“But this issue has nothing to do with Iran’s legitimate right to respond to the aggressor. An official guest of Iran was the target of a terrorist attack on Iranian soil and was martyred. He was the leader of the political negotiation process to establish a ceasefire. Therefore, the (Israeli) regime assassinated Haniyeh basically showed that he is not willing to follow the political process,” Kanaani said.
Iran has the right to defend its security and territorial integrity based on the Charter of the United Nations, an Iranian diplomat pointed out, as reported by the Mehr news agency.
Kanaani further emphasized that calling on Iran to exercise restraint in such a situation is an irrational demand.
In a defiant statement, Iranian officials have emphasized that the recent cease-fire in Gaza does not affect their broader objectives, including their vow to seek revenge against Israel. The announcement underscores Iran’s ongoing hostility toward the Israeli state despite efforts to de-escalate violence in the region.
During a press conference in Tehran, a senior Iranian official stated that while Iran welcomes the cease-fire between Israel and Palestinian factions in Gaza, it should not be misconstrued as a sign that Iran’s own grievances with Israel have been resolved. The official reiterated that Iran’s support for Palestinian resistance groups would continue, and that their commitment to avenging what they describe as Israeli aggression remains steadfast.
This declaration comes in the wake of recent escalations in the Gaza Strip, where heavy fighting prompted international calls for a cease-fire. Despite the temporary halt in hostilities, Iran’s leadership has made it clear that their strategic goals concerning Israel remain unchanged.
Iran has long been a vocal supporter of groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah, which oppose Israel’s existence and have engaged in numerous conflicts with the Israeli military. The latest statement from Tehran highlights Iran’s view that the struggle against Israel is a broader regional issue, not confined to specific conflicts like the one in Gaza.
Israeli officials have expressed concern over Iran’s continued rhetoric and actions, which they see as a direct threat to national security. The Israeli government has accused Iran of using proxy groups to destabilize the region and has vowed to take necessary steps to defend itself.
The situation remains tense as both sides continue to engage in a war of words, with the potential for further confrontations looming large. The international community, while welcoming the cease-fire in Gaza, remains wary of the broader implications of Iran’s stance and the possibility of future escalations.
