Iran's UN mission refutes Israeli claims of Iran ties to October 7 op.
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Iran’s UN mission criticized "Israel" for its history of disseminating false information and fabricating documents.
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Iran's UN ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, addresses the United Nations Security Council chamber during an emergency meeting at UN HQs, on April 14, 2024. (AP)
Iran’s permanent mission to the United Nations has dismissed allegations that Tehran had prior knowledge of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, stressing that "Israel" is disseminating falsehoods as part of its psychological warfare against Iran.
The mission issued this statement on Saturday after US media reported that "Israel" had obtained documents indicating that Hamas had been negotiating with Iran for funding related to a large-scale attack on "Israel" as early as 2021.
“We regard the Israeli regime as a mendacious criminal, anti-human entity and place no credence in their illusions,” the mission asserted.
“They (the Israelis) have a long history of spreading falsehoods, fabricating already counterfeit documents, and conducting deceptive psychological operations,” it further stressed.
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The documents, as per US media, purportedly include minutes from several secret meetings held by Hamas in preparation for October 7, 2023, Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, which aimed to persuade Iran and the Lebanese Resistance movement Hezbollah to join in the attack against "Israel".
These reports claimed that Hamas leaders, including Yahya Sinwar, had sent letters to Iranian officials requesting $500 million in financial support, paid in monthly installments over two years, along with training and equipment for an additional 12,000 fighters.
The reports also suggested that Hamas had planned to discuss the operation in greater detail during a meeting with Hezbollah Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah but did not specify whether this discussion took place.
Iran’s mission to the United Nations highlighted that even Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar, have stated they were unaware of the operation, which was exclusively designed and managed by the Qassam Brigades, the military wing of the resistance group based in Gaza.
“Any claim that links this operation to Iran or Hezbollah, either in part or in general, has no value and is considered a fabrication,” it stressed.
Operation Al-Aqsa Flood ‘turning point’ in history: Iran
The Iranian Foreign Ministry has lately hailed Hamas' October 7 operation on “Israel” as a pivotal moment for Palestinians, marking the first anniversary of Operation al-Aqsa Flood.
"The operation on October 7, 2023... was a turning point in the history of the legitimate struggle of the Palestinian people against the occupation and oppression of the Zionist regime," Iran's Foreign Ministry indicated.
This statement portrayed the operation as an expression of long-suppressed anger and frustration among the Palestinian people, driven by 80 years of Israeli occupation, violence, and systematic oppression.
The statement further accused “Israel's” allies of enabling and supporting these actions.
"Supporters of the occupying regime, especially the United States, have been complicit in the crimes of this regime" against Palestinians, Lebanese, Syrians, and Yemenis, it said.
They "must be held accountable for supplying weapons and supporting the Zionist regime,” the statement concluded.
This statement comes ahead of a looming Israeli attack in response to Iran's Operation True Promise II retaliatory strike.
Iran has warned the Israeli regime against responding to its retaliatory strike, underlining that any response would be met with even greater force from the Islamic Republic.
Reports on Saturday, however, indicated that the Israeli leadership has already agreed on a response.
In the context of a potential Israeli strike against Iran, former US President Donald Trump has strongly advocated for targeting Iran's nuclear facilities.
Trump believes that taking out these facilities should be the top priority in order to neutralize what he views as a critical threat.
On the other hand, incumbent President Joe Biden suggested that "Israel" should consider alternatives to striking Iranian oil sites, while noting that "Israel" has not yet decided on a course of action.
Biden told reporters at a White House news briefing that "the Israelis have not concluded what they are going to do in terms of a strike. That's under discussion," however, he stated that "if I were in their shoes, I'd be thinking about other alternatives than striking oilfields."
Read more: Iran ready for 'any situation' against 'Israel': IRGC Navy chief
