Although no actions have yet been taken by Iran, a number of government spokesmen continue to warn that there will be retaliation at some point for the July 31 Israeli assassination of Hamas negotiator Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.
The Iranian mission to the UN issued a statement yesterday asserting Iran’s right to self-defense, but said it wanted to avoid negatively impacting Gaza ceasefire talks with its anticipated retaliation, reported Anadolu Agency. Achieving a permanent ceasefire in Gaza remains a priority, it said, adding that any agreement accepted by Hamas would be acceptable to Iran as well.
Ali Shamkhani, political advisor to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, said that the groundwork for a severe response to the Israeli regime’s violation of Iranian territorial integrity has been laid, reported IRNA. Acting Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani was working the phones yesterday, telling his Indonesian and Belgian counterparts that “impunity” has emboldened the Israeli regime and Iran will resort to its right of legitimate defense within the framework of international law and the UN Charter in order to pursue its two main goals: defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as preventing the realization of the Israeli regime’s dream of creating a regional war.
Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps deputy commander Ali Fadavi stated on Aug. 9: “The Supreme Leader’s orders regarding the harsh punishment of Israel and revenge for the blood of martyr Ismail Haniyeh are clear and explicit … and they will be implemented in the best possible way.”
Somewhat less measured was Speaker of the Iranian Parliament Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf who told a parliamentary meeting this morning that Israel understands nothing but “the language of force.” Describing revenge for the martyrdom of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran as Iran’s “religious and national duty,” the Speaker warned the Zionist regime to brace itself for a “harsh punishment,” reported Tasnim.
White House national security spokesman John Kirby repeated on Aug. 9 that the United States was ready to defend Israel and had deployed resources to the region for that purpose.
“When we hear rhetoric like that, we’ve got to take it seriously, and we do,” Kirby said.
