Iran acting FM says Tehran to retaliate against 'Israel' over Haniyeh
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Iranian Acting Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani calls several of his counterparts following the attack on Iran, stressing that his country will respond.
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Iranians follow a truck, center, carrying the coffins of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and his bodyguard who were killed in an Israeli assassination, during their funeral ceremony at Enqelab-e-Eslami Sq. in Tehran, Iran, Thursday, August 1, 2024. (AP)
Acting Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani held discussions on Thursday with foreign officials from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey to address the latest Israeli escalation in the region. Meanwhile, huge Iranian crowds participated in the funeral procession of the martyred leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.
In a phone call with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan, Bagheri Kani emphasized that "the assassination of the martyr Haniyeh by the occupying entity is a violation of Iran's security" and "seriously threatens regional stability and security."
He reiterated to the Saudi foreign minister that "Iran will exercise its legitimate right to respond decisively to the Zionist entity, making it regret its actions forever."
Bagheri Kani also highlighted the necessity of holding an emergency session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to discuss the crime of assassinating martyr Haniyeh and the violation of Iranian national security.
For his part, the Saudi foreign minister condemned the assassination of Haniyeh on Iranian soil, noting that "the situation in the region is tense and dangerous."
A terrorist act violating all international laws
In another call with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, the Iranian Acting Foreign Minister asserted that "the assassination of Haniyeh in Tehran is a terrorist act that violates all international laws and regulations and threatens regional security."
He stressed to Fidan that "Iran will not relinquish its legitimate right to respond decisively and firmly to this crime," adding that "all regional countries must condemn this heinous crime and take decisive measures to deter the terrorists."
Fidan condemned the Israeli act of terrorism, affirming that it is a "blatant violation of red lines and Iran's sovereignty."
He also expressed Turkiye's support for Iran's diplomatic initiative to convene an emergency session of the OIC.
Iran to respond
Additionally, Bagheri Kani had a phone conversation with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, reiterating that "Iran will not abandon its natural right to respond."
The leader of the Islamic Revolution and Republic of Iran, Sayyed Ali Khamenei, affirmed, following the assassination of the head of Hamas' Political Bureau, martyr Ismail Haniyeh, that the Israeli occupation "brought upon itself the most severe punishment."
Sayyed Khamenei stressed that retribution for Haniyeh's blood is "Iran's duty because he was martyred on our soil," adding that Haniyeh's assassination, who was a guest in Iran, "also set the ground for [the enemy's] harsh punishment upon itself."
Speaking about the martyred leader, Sayyed Khamenei said Haniyeh dedicated his life to the struggle [for liberation], was ready for martyrdom, and sacrificed his children on this path, noting that the "great Resistance Front is in mourning."
Consequently, Iran announced a three-day mourning period.
