Iran has exercised “self-defence” against Israel and its action has concluded unless the “Israeli regime decides to invite further retaliation”, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a post on social media platform X.
Tehran launched a salvo of missiles against Israel in retaliation for the killing of several leaders of Iran-aligned armed groups.
Araghchi said Washington was told by Tehran not to interfere following Iran’s attack on Israel. After the attack, the US declared it would defend Israel and its interests in the Middle East.
Israelis take cover as projectiles launched from Iran were intercepted in the skies over Rosh Haayin, Israel.Credit: AP
“Message exchanges do not mean co-ordination,” Araghchi said, according to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency. “No message was sent prior to our response [to Israel]. After this response, a warning was conveyed via Switzerland telling Americans that it was our right to self-defence and that we do not intend to continue [the attack].”
He said Iran’s action against Israel came after exercising tremendous restraint to give space for a ceasefire in Gaza.
“Our action is concluded, unless the Israeli regime decides to invite further retaliation. In that scenario, our response will be stronger and more powerful,” Araghchi added.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry called earlier on the United Nations Security Council to take “meaningful action” to prevent threats against regional peace and security.
“I am optimistic about future days. There is a possibility of conflict, but our forces are fully prepared. We expect to gradually witness stability in our region over the coming days,” Araghchi said, according to Tasnim.
Reuters
