Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Nasser Kanaani, stated on Monday that while Iran does not seek to escalate regional tensions, it feels compelled to punish Israel to deter further instability. This statement follows the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last week.
Kanaani emphasized, “Iran seeks to establish stability in the region, but this will only come with punishing the aggressor and creating deterrence against the adventurism of the Zionist regime (Israel).” He added that action from Tehran was inevitable and urged the United States to cease its support for Israel. Kanaani criticized the international community for failing to ensure regional stability and called for support in punishing the aggressor.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded, asserting that Israel is prepared for any scenario. Meanwhile, the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps’ top Commander Hossein Salami reiterated the threat that Israel “will receive punishment in due time.” Tehran and groups aligned with Iran, such as Hamas and Hezbollah, have accused Israel of killing Haniyeh on July 31st, although Israeli officials have not claimed responsibility.
