Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Sunday (3/11) that his country would respond to Israel’s latest attack on its territory. But the form and intensity of that response could change if Israel stops aggression in the region and agrees to a ceasefire.
Pezeshkian conveyed this at a cabinet meeting in the capital, Tehran. He explained that leaders from the United States (US) and European countries promised Iran that they would declare a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, Palestine, if Tehran refrained from responding to the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of the Palestinian group Hamas, in July.
According to Pezeshkian, Israel, “Trying to provoke a war by killing Haniyeh on the first day of our government is on duty.”
Pezeshkian said Iran had exercised restraint based on the advice of a number of countries. The hope is that a ceasefire will be achieved and an end to the killing of innocent women and children.
Reaffirming Iran’s intention to respond to the Israeli attack, Pezeshkian said, “If they reconsider their actions, agree to a ceasefire, and stop the killing of the oppressed and innocent people of the region, this could affect the type and intensity of our response.”
On Saturday, October 26, the Israeli military announced it had launched a four-hour attack on Iran. This was confirmed by the Iranian party who claimed to have succeeded in thwarting the Zionist entity’s attempts to attack several points in Tehran and throughout the country.
But the attack resulted in the deaths of four Iranian soldiers, according to an official statement. Since then, Israel has increased its level of alertness and deployed the United States’ THAAD air defense system, to anticipate a response from Iran.
On Saturday (2/11), Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei promised to give a strong response to the US and Israel for their actions against Tehran.
Addressing a large group of students in the capital, Khamenei said, “We are definitely doing everything necessary to prepare the Iranian nation against arrogance, both in military readiness, weapons and political actions, and our officials are currently engaged in that.”
Israel’s latest attack on Saturday (26/10) was carried out in response to more than 180 rockets that Iran sent towards Israel in early October. Iran said the attack was in retaliation for the killing of Haniyeh, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander Abbas Nilforoushan.
Since October 7, 2023, Israel has committed what many consider to be genocide in Gaza, killing more than 43,300 Palestinians, the vast majority of them women and children, with more than 10 thousand missing.
Israel continues to carry out attacks, ignoring UN Security Council demands for an immediate halt to such attacks and orders from the International Court of Justice to take steps to prevent genocide and improve the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. (Ant/Z-2)
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**Interview with Dr. Reza Farshad, Middle East Relations Expert**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Farshad. Recently, Masoud Pezeshkian, Iran’s newly elected president, made headlines regarding tensions with Israel. What are your thoughts on his stance following the recent attacks?
**Dr. Farshad:** Thank you for having me. Pezeshkian’s statements reflect a nuanced approach that balances Iran’s defensive posture with an openness to diplomacy, particularly around the ceasefire in Gaza. His comments suggest that Iran is willing to exercise restraint in response to provocation, focusing instead on seeking a resolution through diplomacy.
**Interviewer:** Pezeshkian mentioned the possibility of a changed response if Israel agrees to a ceasefire. What implications does this have for regional stability?
**Dr. Farshad:** This is a crucial point. Pezeshkian’s willingness to modify Iran’s response based on Israel’s actions indicates a potential for de-escalation. If both sides can agree to a ceasefire, it would not only reduce immediate tensions but could also serve as a foundation for broader negotiations in the region. However, Israel’s actions, particularly the killing of high-profile figures like Ismail Haniyeh, complicate this dynamic.
**Interviewer:** Given the history of conflict between Iran and Israel, can we realistically expect a ceasefire to be upheld?
**Dr. Farshad:** The history certainly casts doubt on the feasibility of a lasting ceasefire. Nevertheless, current geopolitical pressures may encourage both parties to seek temporary relief from hostilities. External influences, such as the involvement of the United States and Europe, might play a significant role in facilitating this process.
**Interviewer:** Pezeshkian also referred to the killing of innocent civilians. How does this humanitarian aspect impact the political landscape in Iran?
**Dr. Farshad:** The humanitarian narrative is critical in shaping domestic support for any governmental action, particularly in a regime like Iran’s that faces scrutiny from both home and abroad. By framing military responses in terms of protecting innocent lives, Pezeshkian is appealing to both nationalistic sentiments and international norms around human rights, which could bolster his position domestically.
**Interviewer:** what does this current standoff say about Pezeshkian’s administration and its potential future direction?
**Dr. Farshad:** Pezeshkian’s approach illustrates a blend of reformist ideals with a pragmatic response to external threats. His presidency may be characterized by efforts to engage with international powers while managing internal expectations regarding Iran’s sovereignty and security. The international community will be watching closely to see if he can navigate these complex dynamics effectively.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Farshad, for your insights on this critical issue facing Iran and the region.
**Dr. Farshad:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss these important matters.