Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has called on Israel to agree to a ceasefire, suggesting that Iran may adjust its response to recent Israeli attacks if hostilities cease. President Pezeshkian highlighted that U.S. and European leaders had previously assured a ceasefire in Gaza contingent on Iran’s restraint following the July assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.
In his statement, Pezeshkian emphasized that Iran’s response could vary in nature and intensity if Israel halts its operations in the region.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday urged Israel to accept ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon, signaling that this could influence the “type and intensity” of Iran’s response to what he described as recent Israeli “aggression” against Iranian territory. Pezeshkian, speaking at a cabinet meeting, underscored Iran’s commitment to defending its sovereignty, warning that any attack on Iran would meet with a “teeth-breaking response,” according to a statement from his office.
“They know very well that in case of making any mistake against the Islamic Republic of Iran, they will receive a teeth-breaking response,” Pezeshkian emphasized. However, he indicated that if Israel reconsiders its actions, accepts ceasefires, and halts attacks on “oppressed and innocent” people in the region, Iran’s response could be moderated.
Pezeshkian criticized the “hypocritical” stance of the United States and several European nations, accusing the U.S. of perpetuating conflict globally. His remarks follow an October 26 announcement from the Israel Defense Forces, which claimed responsibility for targeted airstrikes on Iranian sites in retaliation for recent attacks. Responding a day after these strikes, Pezeshkian promised a “fitting response” to Israel’s actions.
Key Points:
- Iran’s Ceasefire Call: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has urged Israel to agree to ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon, hinting that Iran’s response could vary in “type and intensity” if Israel halts its aggression.
- Firm Warning from Iran: Pezeshkian, speaking at a cabinet meeting, stated that Iran will not leave any aggression against its territory unanswered, promising a “teeth-breaking response” to any miscalculation by Israel.
- Critique of Western Involvement: Pezeshkian condemned the United States and certain European nations for their “hypocritical” stance on regional crises, accusing the U.S. of fueling global conflicts.
- Recent Israeli Strikes: On October 26, the Israel Defense Forces conducted targeted airstrikes on Iranian sites, which they described as a response to attacks allegedly originating from Iran.
- Iran’s Retaliation Assured: Following the Israeli airstrikes, Pezeshkian asserted that Iran would deliver a “fitting response” to Israel’s actions.
- IRGC Commander’s Statement: Hossein Salami, commander of Iran’s IRGC, also criticized U.S. policies, blaming them for terrorism and disunity within the Muslim world.
- Humanitarian Appeal: Pezeshkian called for an end to the killing of “oppressed and innocent” people in Gaza and Lebanon, suggesting that Israel’s stance on ceasefires could influence Iran’s approach.