Iran is not seeking to escalate regional tensions but believes it must retaliate against Israel to prevent further instability, the foreign ministry spokesperson said yesterday following the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last week.
“Iran aims to establish stability in the region, but this will only be achieved by punishing the aggressor and creating deterrence against the Zionist regime (Israel),” stated Nasser Kanaani. He emphasized that action from Tehran was necessary.
Kanaani called on the United States to stop supporting Israel, saying the international community had failed in its duty to safeguard stability in the region and should support the “punishment of the aggressor.”
The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps’ top commander, Hossein Salami, reiterated the elite group’s threat that Israel “will receive punishment in due time.”.
Tehran and Iran-aligned groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah have accused Israel of killing Haniyeh on 31st July.
Israeli officials have not claimed responsibility.
