Iran’s Retaliation against Israel Unrelated to Gaza Truce: UN Mission
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran’s permanent mission to the United Nations asserted that a retaliatory response to the Israeli assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran will definitely take place, irrespective of the talks on a ceasefire in Gaza.
In response to a question from the American media whether Iran will defer its reaction to the Zionist regime until the next week’s talks about ceasefire in Gaza, the permanent mission of Iran to the UN said, “Establishment of sustainable ceasefire in Gaza is our top priority. Any deal that Hams agrees on will be acceptable to us as well.”
The mission stated that Iran’s national security and sovereignty have been violated in the Israeli assassination of Hamas chief. “We have the right to legitimate defense, which is unrelated to the Gaza ceasefire. But we hope our response will be given at a time and manner that would not harm the likely ceasefire.”
Asked about the existence of messaging channels between Iran and the US, the mission said, “There have always been formal direct and mediatory channels for the exchange of messages between Iran and the US. The both parties prefer the details to remain undisclosed.”
Haniyeh, who was in Tehran to attend the new Iranian president’s swearing-in ceremony, was martyred in an Israeli operation in the early hours of July 31.
Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei has warned the Israeli regime of a "harsh response" for Haniyeh's assassination, calling it the Islamic Republic's duty to avenge the Palestinian resistance leader's blood.
