SAEDNEWS: Former IRGC chief Mohsen Rezaei says that the Islamic Republic of Iran would definitely respond to Israel's assassination of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.
According to SAEDNEWS, In an interview in Tehran on Tuesday, Mohsen Rezaei, the former commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), expressed his views on the ongoing conflict in Gaza and Iran's potential response, emphasizing that "the Iranian actions will be very calculated ones."
Rezaei stressed the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza, asserting, “There has to be a ceasefire in Gaza soon.” He critiqued the role of the United States and Israel in prolonging the conflict, stating, “If in the first weeks of the Gaza war the United States had stopped Israel and (Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu, the war would not extend. So the main element of the extension of the war are the US and Israel. The more this war extends, the more the United States will be damaged.”
Addressing Iran's response to Israel, he noted, “We have investigated the possible repercussions. And we will not let Netanyahu, who is sinking in a swamp, save himself. The Iranian actions will be very calculated ones.” He further indicated that Iran plans to act at the appropriate time and place, citing Article 51 of the UN Charter, which grants nations the right to self-defense. “If there is no response, the Zionist regime will continue its aggressive actions, so the response would definitely happen.”
When asked about the nature and power of Iran's forthcoming action, he stated that such details would become clear only after Iran takes action.
Rezaei also highlighted the need for the US to reconsider its policies in the Middle East, criticizing the perception that American foreign policy is primarily formulated in Tel Aviv. He remarked, “This is nothing but contempt for American power,” and pointed out that such dynamics have caused regional allies like Saudi Arabia and Turkey to lean more towards Russia and China.
He further remarked that “Washington cannot, on the one hand, demand a reduction in tension and, on the other hand, provide full support to the main source of tension, which is Israel.” He cautioned against overlooking Iran's historical and geopolitical significance as a powerful regional actor, recalling Iran's resistance against aggression in the Gulf and its role in combating terrorism in other regions.
Rezaei assured that Iran is prepared for any escalation, declaring, “But anyway, we are ready and we will respond to any action.”
His remarks came in the context of heightened tensions following the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh and his bodyguard in Tehran on July 31, for which the IRGC blamed the “Zionist regime” and the “criminal government of America.” High-ranking Iranian officials have vowed a strong response, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei warning that Israel’s actions have set the stage for severe repercussions.
The political adviser to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Rear Admiral Ali Shamkhani, reiterated this sentiment on social media, stating that plans for a severe punishment of the Israeli regime had been prepared following the assassination.
As tensions escalate, all eyes are on the Iranian government’s next moves and their potential impact on the already volatile region.
