Iran Reserves Right to Respond to Assassination of Hamas Leader, Says Acting Foreign Minister

Tehran, The Gulf Observer: Iran’s Acting Foreign Minister Ali Baghri Kani declared on Saturday that Iran reserves the right to respond to the assassination of Hamas Political Leader Ismail Haniyeh, which occurred on July 31. Haniyeh was in Tehran to attend the inauguration of President Masoud Pezeshkian just a day before his assassination.

In a phone conversation with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, Baghri Kani emphasized Iran’s stance on the incident, stating, “The Islamic Republic of Iran reserves its inherent and legitimate right to respond legitimately to the crime of the Zionist regime.” He accused the Israeli government of perpetrating crimes and deception in negotiations, labeling them as a “criminal gang” based in Tel Aviv.

Baghri Kani also criticized the United States for its support of Israel, asserting that this support undermines Washington’s role as a neutral mediator in ceasefire negotiations. He accused the US of complicity in the violence against Palestinians in Gaza, claiming that Washington is obstructing efforts to halt Israeli actions and encouraging further violence.

In response, Egyptian Foreign Minister Abdelatty discussed the latest ceasefire talks held in Doha, mediated by the US, Egypt, and Qatar. He reiterated Egypt’s commitment to supporting the Palestinian people and working towards an immediate ceasefire. Abdelatty highlighted the urgent need for international consensus to address the severe shortages of food and medicine in Gaza, amidst the ongoing conflict and outbreaks of disease.