Iran: We Don’t Want Escalation, but We Will Punish Israel
According to Anthony Blinken, the attack could happen in the next 24 to 48 hours
Iran’s response to the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran should be aimed at “punishing Israel,” but at the same time the goal is not to create escalation. “Iran seeks to establish stability in the region, but this will only happen by punishing the aggressor and creating a deterrent against the adventurism of the Zionist regime,” explained Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani, as quoted by Reuters.
Kanaani also addressed the international community’s failure to maintain stability in the region and for the United States to end its support for Israel. Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Supreme Commander Hossein Salami also explained that Israel will be targeted “when the time is right.”
As US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken explained on August 5, Iranian action could be possible as early as the next “24 to 48 hours.” Also on August 5, Iran’s Foreign Ministry summoned ambassadors and heads of missions residing in Tehran to meet with interim Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani. An emergency meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation is scheduled for Wednesday, August 7.
Kuwaiti media outlet Al-Jarida, citing a source in Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, reported that a US delegation will travel to Iran, mediated by Oman, to try to appeal for calm.
Joe Biden will hold talks with King Abdullah II of Jordan on the evening of August 5 and then meet with his staff in the Situation Room to discuss developments in the Middle East.
