By Ezekiel David
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated Iran’s commitment to retaliating for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.
In a phone call with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, Araghchi emphasized the planned response would be “definitive,” “measured,” and “well-calculated.”
He stated on social media platform X, “Iran reaction to Israeli terrorist attack in Tehran is definitive, and will be measured & well calculated. We do not fear escalation, yet do not seek it — unlike Israel.”
In order to defuse regional tensions, Tajani urged Iran to exercise restraint and adopt a constructive approach. He drew attention in particular to Hezbollah along the Israeli-Lebanese border and the Houthis in the Red Sea, both of which have Italian military bases stationed there.
“It is important that Iran exercises moderation towards Hezbollah in order to avert an escalation on the Lebanese-Israeli border, where Italian soldiers of the UNIFIL contingent are operating, and towards the Houthis in order to avoid an increase in tensions in the Red Sea area, where Italy plays a leading role in the (European Union’s) Aspides mission,” Tajani stated.
This conversation followed a recent exchange of fire between Israel and Hezbollah, as well as unsuccessful high-level cease-fire negotiations in Cairo concerning the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.
While no final agreement was reached, lower-level discussions, involving mediators from the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, will continue. Notably, CIA Director William Burns and Mossad chief David Barnea participated in the Cairo talks.
(Source: AP)