Iran Vows to Respond to Assassination of Hamas Leader
In a recent appearance on the "Today’s Meeting" program, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the head of the political bureau of Hamas, stating that Iran will respond to this act but will choose the timing and method of its retaliation. Pezeshkian emphasized that Israel is attempting to escalate tensions in the region and is supported by Western nations that profess values of freedom and human rights.
Pezeshkian asserted, "What we will do will be a reaction at the appropriate time and place," indicating that Iran will not publicly announce its plans. He also criticized the circumstances surrounding Haniyeh's assassination, noting the tight security at the event he attended, which was the inauguration of the Iranian president. He suggested that the perpetrators had the means to carry out such acts despite security measures.
The Iranian president pointed out that the tools used for sabotage against Iranian officials have often been provided by foreign entities, hinting at a broader conspiracy against Iran. He remarked, "The equipment and electronic devices they provide us with are sabotage tools that they impose on us," highlighting the challenges posed by such interference.
Following Haniyeh's assassination, which Hamas announced on July 31, 2024, Pezeshkian criticized the Western response to Israeli military actions, particularly against Hezbollah in Lebanon. He accused the West of silence or even complicity in Israel's aggressive actions, stating that European claims of upholding values are merely deceptive rhetoric.
In discussing the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Pezeshkian noted that Israel’s attempts to achieve its goals have largely failed, resulting only in widespread destruction and a humanitarian crisis. He called for solidarity among Islamic nations to confront what he termed the malicious intentions of Western countries and Israel, advocating for enhanced communication and security collaborations in the region.
On the topic of Iran's nuclear ambitions, Pezeshkian reiterated that Iran does not seek conflict and is open to dialogue with any party willing to engage, reaffirming Iran's commitment to the nuclear agreement with Western nations.
