ALWAGHT- Iran’s permanent mission to the United Nations affirmed that a retaliatory response to the Israeli assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran is inevitable, regardless of ongoing ceasefire negotiations in Gaza.
In response to a question from American media about whether Iran would delay its reaction to Israel until after next week’s ceasefire talks in Gaza, Iran's permanent mission to the UN stated, "Achieving a lasting ceasefire in Gaza is our top priority. Any agreement that Hamas reaches will also be acceptable to us."
The mission emphasized that Israel's assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran was a violation of Iran’s national security and sovereignty. "We have the right to legitimate defense, which is independent of the Gaza ceasefire. However, we hope our response will be delivered in a way and at a time that does not jeopardize the potential ceasefire."
When asked about communication channels between Iran and the US, the mission replied, "There have always been formal direct and intermediary channels for exchanging messages between Iran and the US. Both parties prefer to keep the details undisclosed."
Haniyeh, who was in Tehran for the swearing-in ceremony of Iran’s new president, was killed in an Israeli operation on July 31.
Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, Leader of the Islamic Revolution, warned Israel of a "harsh response" to Haniyeh's assassination, calling it the Islamic Republic's duty to avenge the Palestinian resistance leader's death.
