Iran reserves the right to respond to Israeli airstrikes but is optimistic about a new ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that Israel’s actions will influence the likelihood of reduced tensions in the region. Despite Israeli claims of weakening Hezbollah, Araghchi argued that the group remains strong and resilient.
Iran has asserted its right to respond to the Israeli airstrikes that targeted its territory last month while simultaneously acknowledging the evolving dynamics in the region. During a press briefing in Lisbon, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed Iran’s approval of the recent ceasefire agreement in Lebanon and expressed hope for its permanence. The ceasefire, initiated under the auspices of the United States and France, aims to halt hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group that has been involved in recent conflicts.
Regarding potential de-escalation of tensions between Israel and Iran following the ceasefire, Araghchi stated, “It depends on the behavior of Israel.” He reiterated Iran’s prerogative to address what he termed as recent Israeli aggression but emphasized the necessity to consider all regional developments. The backdrop of this tension includes an Israeli airstrike against Iranian sites on October 26, which was conducted in response to an Iranian missile assault on Israel earlier in the month.
Moreover, Ali Larijani, a senior adviser to Iran’s supreme leader, has indicated that Iran is prepared to respond to Israel’s actions. In addressing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s claim that Hezbollah has been significantly weakened, Araghchi countered that the group has proven resilient, having reorganized and continued to pose a formidable threat. He remarked, “This is the main reason why Israel accepted the ceasefire… every time they lose their leaders or their commanders, they become bigger in both numbers and their strength.” Such sentiments were echoed by Hezbollah official Hassan Fadlallah, who asserted the group would emerge reinforced from this conflict.
The current state of tensions between Iran and Israel is marked by a series of retaliatory actions and military confrontations. In light of these hostilities, recent diplomatic efforts have aimed at establishing ceasefires, specifically the one brokered between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon with help from the United States and France. Iran has consistently maintained its stance on retaliating to perceived aggressions from Israel, underlying a complex interrelation between regional conflicts, military responses, and political dialogues.
In summary, Iran’s Foreign Minister articulated Tehran’s right to react to Israeli actions while remaining open to the potential for improved stability within the region, contingent upon Israel’s conduct. The ceasefire in Lebanon is a significant development, yet the resilience of Hezbollah and the ongoing tensions with Israel underscore the precarious nature of peace in the area. As both diplomatic and military strategies play out, the focus remains on the behavior of Israel as a key factor in any future progress towards de-escalation.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
