Iran Criticizes Europe's Silence on Haniyeh Assassination, Calls Inaction 'Suspicious'

According to SAEDNEWS, During a telephone conversation with Slovenia’s Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon on Sunday evening, Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani expressed his concerns about the lack of response from European countries regarding the assassination of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and top Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut.

He stated, “The Islamic Republic is surprised by Europe’s silence as well as the absence of a UN Security Council statement in condemnation of the Zionist regime’s acts of aggression against Iran, Lebanon, and Yemen.”

Bagheri Kani affirmed that Iran would utilize its legitimate right to defend its security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, ensuring deterrence against the Zionist regime’s aggression in West Asia. Haniyeh was martyred, alongside his bodyguard, on July 31 while in Tehran for the swearing-in ceremony of Iran’s newly-elected President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, Leader of the Islamic Revolution, emphasized that Israel should expect a “harsh response” for Haniyeh’s assassination, highlighting the Islamic Republic’s obligation to avenge the Palestinian resistance leader’s blood.

Bagheri Kani also pointed out that Israel, having faced significant defeats from the Palestinian resistance in the ongoing Gaza war, is resorting to advanced weaponry to attack defenseless civilians and civilian infrastructure. He remarked, “Zionists also carry out terrorist attacks against civilian buildings in other countries like Yemen, Lebanon, and more recently in Tehran.”

In response, Fajon acknowledged Iran's right to self-defense, condemning any violations of international law while urging all parties to exercise restraint to preserve stability in West Asia. She recognized the Palestinian nation's suffering and advocated for a ceasefire in Gaza. “The Islamic Republic of Iran is a very important player in the region and can play an essential role. Slovenia is always ready to prepare the ground for negotiations and mitigation of tensions in West Asia,” Fajon stated.