Gaza Ceasefire: Unrelated to Iran's Response to Israel

According to SAEDNEWS, In a recent weekly press briefing on Monday, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Nasser Kan'ani addressed the ongoing situation in Gaza, highlighting that "the ceasefire is an international demand, that more than ten months of killing must stop, and these negotiations continue within the framework of the global demand and the will of the Palestinian side." He reiterated Iran's commitment to acting as a steadfast supporter of efforts aimed at halting the violence in Gaza.

Kan'ani emphasized, however, that while Iran seeks to support global peace initiatives, "this issue has nothing to do with Iran's legitimate right to respond to the aggressor." He pointed to the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, a key leader in the ceasefire negotiations, noting that the Israeli regime's actions demonstrated its unwillingness to engage in the political process. "The official guest of Iran was targeted by a terrorist attack on Iranian soil and was martyred," he stated, adding that the assassination was a clear act of aggression that further complicated the situation.

Underlining Iran's right to self-defense, Kan'ani asserted that the country would continue to protect its security and territorial integrity as per the United Nations Charter. He criticized calls for restraint, describing such requests as "an irrational request" given the context of ongoing aggression.

Ismail Haniyeh, along with a bodyguard, was confirmed martyred following an attack on his residence in Tehran on July 31, as reported by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The IRGC issued a statement alleging that the assassination was "designed and implemented by the Zionist regime and supported by the criminal government of America."

Iranian officials have pledged a swift response to this act of terror, with Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei stating that the assassination has paved the way for "harsh punishment" for Israel. Rear Admiral Ali Shamkhani, the political adviser to the Leader, echoed these sentiments earlier in August, emphasizing that preparations for a significant response to the Israeli regime have been established, focusing on diplomatic and media avenues as well.

Shamkhani pointed out that the Israeli regime's actions—both the killings in Gaza and Haniyeh's assassination—are indicative of its desire for war, ultimately aiming to sabotage ceasefire negotiations.