Iran has rejected demands from Western nations to abstain from retaliating against Israel for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. Iranian state media reports that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian defended the right to respond, calling it a “legal right” and “a way to stop crime.”
The tension escalated after Israeli military forces were placed on high alert, even though the country has not officially claimed involvement in Haniyeh’s assassination. Amidst numerous international diplomatic efforts to ease conflicts, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer contacted Pezeshkian, urging him to halt military threats against Israel in a rare phone conversation.
In the aftermath of Haniyeh’s killing, prominent Iran-supported group Hezbollah in Lebanon has also threatened retaliation for the death of one of its leaders due to an Israeli airstrike in Beirut. The U.S. has warned of potential “significant attacks” from Iran or its proxies this week and has increased its military presence in the region to support Israel.
In response, leaders from the UK, France, and Germany jointly called on Iran and allied groups to avoid actions that could heighten regional tensions. In a conversation with Pezeshkian, Starmer expressed concerns over risks of miscalculations, advocating for restraint and suggesting that war is not beneficial for any party involved.
Pezeshkian, in turn, pointed out that Western backing of Israel has prompted ongoing violence and jeopardized peace. He emphasized that war serves no country’s interests while maintaining that a proportional response to aggression is justified and necessary.
Iran’s foreign ministry also dismissed calls for restraint from Western officials, stating that such requests lack political rationale and contradict international law.
The Israeli military is treating Iran’s threats seriously, with Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari indicating that they remain in a state of high readiness while reiterating the government’s commitment to defense. An Israeli government representative warned that the nation would impose a steep cost for any aggression from Iran or its allies.
The U.S. National Security Council echoed these sentiments, acknowledging the shared concerns about potential imminent threats. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has mobilized additional military assets to the region in a show of commitment to Israel’s defense.
In parallel, the U.S. believes a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, along with the release of Israeli hostages, would alleviate tensions. Israel has agreed to send negotiators to solidify this deal, while Hamas has shown willingness to engage in talks despite recent escalations. The ongoing conflict has led to significant casualties, with more than 39,920 reported dead in Gaza since Israel launched its military response following a brutal attack on October 7, which resulted in many casualties and hostages taken.