In a recent cabinet meeting, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that while Iran does not seek to go to war, it is prepared to deliver a “proper response” to Israeli military operations targeting Iranian strategic sites. This announcement comes as the United Nations Security Council is set to convene tomorrow to discuss the escalating tensions.
“We are not pursuing war; however, we will defend our nation’s rights,” Pezeshkian emphasized. He insisted that Iran would respond appropriately to any infringements by what he described as the “Zionist regime.”
The backdrop to these remarks includes a recent attack on Israel, which was perceived as retaliation for the killing of a leader of Iran-backed armed groups and a commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. In response, Israel conducted airstrikes on Iranian military facilities.
Israel has issued warnings to Tehran against retaliatory actions.
Pezeshkian accused Israel of “tyrannical behavior” and criticized the United States for its support of Israel, which he claims has heightened regional tensions. “If the Zionist regime’s oppressive actions and crimes continue, the atmosphere of tension will escalate,” he warned.
He also pointed out that the United States had previously promised to end the conflict in exchange for Iran’s restraint, a promise he claims was not upheld.
Meanwhile, Reuters reported that Switzerland, as the rotating president of the UN Security Council, indicated that the council will meet tomorrow to discuss Israel’s attacks on Iran. The request for this meeting, put forth by Iran, has received backing from Algeria, China, and Russia.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, in a letter to the 15-member Security Council, stated: “The actions of the Israeli regime pose a significant threat to international peace and security, exacerbating the already precarious situation in the region. The Islamic Republic of Iran retains its inherent right to respond legally and justifiably to these malicious attacks at an appropriate time, in accordance with the principles enshrined in the UN Charter and international law.”
In retaliation, the Israeli military reported it launched significant airstrikes involving multiple waves against missile factories and other sites around Tehran and in western Iran, responding to an assault earlier in which Iran had reportedly fired around 200 ballistic missiles at Israel. Israel has cautioned its formidable adversary against any counterattacks.
