Gaza Ceasefire Deal Could Delay Iran's Response to Israel
Iran has rejected calls from Europe to exercise restraint and not attack Israel following the alleged killing of a top Hamas leader in Tehran. The pleas from France, Britain, and Germany were dismissed by Iran's foreign ministry, stating that they lack political logic and contradict principles of international law.
The European countries issued a joint statement urging Iran and its proxies in the Middle East to refrain from attacking Israel after the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas. Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah have accused Israel of carrying out the killing, although Israel has not confirmed or denied responsibility.
Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson criticized the European statement, calling it impudent and demanding that Western governments stand up against the war in Gaza and the warmongering of Israel. The heightened tensions in the region have raised concerns about a potential broader conflict if diplomatic efforts fail to de-escalate the situation.
As Iran continues to vow a severe response to the killing of Haniyeh, discussions are ongoing with Western countries and the United States on ways to calibrate retaliation. The possibility of a direct attack against Israel, in coordination with allies like Hezbollah, remains if negotiations in Gaza do not yield a ceasefire deal to delay Iran's response.
