Araqchi Warns of Iran’s Harsher Reaction to Israel
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi ruled out plans for further Iranian military strikes against the Zionist regime, but warned that Iran’s reciprocal response to any Israeli action will be harsh, proportional and well-calculated.
Speaking at a press conference in Beirut on Friday, Araqchi said the retaliatory missile strike that Iran carried out against the Israeli military targets in the occupied territories on October 1 was an exact example of self-defense and was totally legitimate under the UN Charter.
“We did not start an attack, but responded to the Israeli aggression on the Iranian soil, against the Iranian Embassy in Damascus, and against Iran’s interests. Unlike the Zionist regime that targets the centers of population, we struck the (Israeli) regime’s military and security centers alone,” he said.
Araqchi made it clear that Iran has no intention of continuing the strikes, but warned that if the Zionist regime takes any other action against Iran, Tehran will definitely react and its response will be harsher. “Our response will be proportional and well-calculated.”
Asked about the negotiations on a ceasefire in Lebanon, the Iranian foreign minister said he has discussed the issue with the Lebanese officials and is in contact with the other countries as well.
“We would support the efforts being made in this regard, provided that, firstly, the rights of people of Lebanon are upheld and are acceptable to the resistance, and secondly, it happens in tandem with a ceasefire in Gaza,” Araqchi explained.
He then reaffirmed Iran’s support for Lebanon and the resistance forces, expressing confidence that the Zionist regime’s crimes will get nowhere and the Lebanese nation will emerge victorious.
Araqchi noted that his visit to Lebanon, while the Zionist regime is bombarding Beirut constantly, indicates that the Islamic Republic of Iran firmly stands by Hezbollah and the people of Lebanon.