Iran to respond decisively to any hostile Israeli action: Tehran
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Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei reiterates that weapons of mass destruction have no place in Iran's defense doctrine.
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Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei (IRNA)
Iran has clearly conveyed in discussions with UN officials and other involved parties that its operations against "Israel", carried out in April and October this year, were fully within the Islamic Republic’s right to self-defense and were direct responses to the Israeli regime's actions, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said on Monday.
During his weekly press briefing in Tehran, Baghaei underscored that Iran remains committed to countering Israeli aggression by utilizing all available means, with a particular focus on the strength of its security and military forces.
When asked about the leaked reports about the Israeli bank of targets in Iran, Baghaei declined to comment directly but reiterated that “what is certain is that Iran will respond decisively to any hostile actions by the Zionist regime.”
The Iranian spokesperson confirmed that, in response to Israeli threats against Iran’s nuclear program, Tehran has submitted a formal letter to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and will continue to address the matter through various channels.
Baghaei also remarked that the deployment of the US THAAD missile defense system in "Israel" demonstrates the continued and comprehensive American support for the Israeli occupation entity since its establishment.
Baghaei further stressed that it is Iran alone that will determine the nature and scope of its response to any Israeli attack.
Weapons of mass destruction have no place in Iran's doctrine
In a related context, he assured that Iran’s nuclear doctrine remains unaffected by media propaganda, as it is firmly rooted in the fatwa issued by the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Sayyed Ali Khamenei.
"The main policy [of the Islamic Republic of Iran] is that weapons of mass destruction have no place in the defense doctrine, and this is a very specific fatwa from a high-ranking official of the country, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution," Baghaei highlighted.
Intensified diplomatic efforts to halt further bloodshed
Touching on the Israeli aggression on Gaza and Lebanon, the Iranian spokesperson affirmed that Tehran has intensified its diplomatic efforts in recent weeks to prevent further bloodshed by "Israel" and to stop the spread of war to other parts of the region.
He recalled that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi recently embarked on a regional tour, starting with Lebanon, as part of these diplomatic endeavors. In addition to the tour, Araghchi held phone discussions with regional and international officials to pursue Iran’s efforts to de-escalate tensions.
According to Baghaei, the top Iranian diplomat engaged in “good negotiations” aimed at curbing the escalation of violence, while reinforcing Iran’s message of commitment to fostering and improving relations with its neighbors.
He further announced that Araghchi will visit Kuwait and Bahrain as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to address the situation.
The Iranian spokesperson also mentioned that countries of the region, in collaboration with their partners, are seeking to coordinate public efforts to put an end to the Israeli killing of civilians.
Iran, he added, welcomes any initiative that aims to prevent the war from spreading, with the immediate priority being to stop the atrocities in Gaza and Lebanon.
Iran has not, will not interfere in Lebanon's internal affairs
In a different context, Baghaei made it clear that Tehran has not and will not interfere in the internal affairs of Lebanon or any other country.
He stressed that the election of a president in Lebanon is a domestic matter that should reflect the will of the Lebanese people. He further noted that the solution for Lebanon comes through Lebanese-Lebanese dialogue.
Addressing the renewed claims concerning the three islands of Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb in the Gulf, Baghaei expressed regret that such issues are being raised at a time when the region should be concentrating on addressing the actions of the Israeli regime.
Iran’s position on its sovereignty and territorial integrity remains firm, particularly in negotiations with its partners and allies, he said, adding that Tehran has already issued formal protest notes regarding this matter, underscoring its clear stance.
Read more: Gaza broke down Israeli-Gulf ties; region approaches major shift: NYT
