Iran warns of escalation: Ongoing Israeli crimes could draw in others

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
19 Oct 2023 12:26

The chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Mohammad Bagheri emphasizes that silence is not an option, and the relentless Israeli brutality being perpetrated could potentially trigger a response from the Resistance groups.

Iranian Armed Forces Chief of Staff Major General Mohammad Bagheri speaks during the the International Conference on the Legal-International Claims of the Holy Defense in the capital Tehran on February 23, 2021. (AFP via Getty Images)

The chief of staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, Major General Mohammad Bagheri, warned that if the Israeli aggression on Gaza persists, it might prompt the involvement of other parties in the situation.

The remarks came during a phone conversation with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Qatari Defense Minister Khalid bin Mohammed al-Attiyah in the wake of ongoing Israeli crimes against the oppressed people of Gaza.

General Bagheri urgently appealed to the international community to take swift measures to halt Israeli transgressions and deliver assistance to the Gaza population. "We are deeply concerned about the continuation of vast and brutal crimes against civilians; Such barbaric behavior will not be tolerated and independent governments must react seriously to it," he said.

Major General Bagheri stressed that "the continuation of the Zionist regime's crimes and the direct support and aid of some countries have made the situation more complicated and can lead to the entry of other actors into this arena."

Elsewhere in his remarks, General Bagheri informed the Qatari Defense Minister that the recent defensive actions by Palestinian Resistance groups were prompted by the Israeli offenses against Muslim holy sites, including al-Aqsa Mosque, and the aggression against Palestinian worshippers.

Given the gravity of these transgressions, Muslims cannot remain silent, and if these brutal actions persist, there is a potential for a response from the Resistance groups, Bagheri warned.

Addressing the US involvement in orchestrating the Zionist regime's unlawful operations, Bagheri called upon countries to prohibit the transportation of weapons and supplies from US bases in the area to the occupied territories.

On his account, the Russian Defense Minister reiterated that Moscow's stance on the need for a ceasefire and safeguarding civilian well-being is unambiguous. He also mentioned that Russia's proposal to the UN Security Council to this effect faced opposition from certain Western nations and was not successful.