Iran's Foreign Minister Warns of Immediate and Maximum Military Response to Israeli Aggression
In response to potential Israeli military aggression, Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has cautioned of an immediate and maximum level military retaliation. The warning comes amidst heightened tensions in the Middle East, raising concerns of a possible escalation in conflict.
Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian warned CNN on Thursday that if Israel were to take further military action against Iran, the response would be swift and at its highest level. The statement comes amid growing concerns of escalating conflict in the Middle East.
During an exclusive interview with CNN's Erin Burnett in New York, Amir-Abdollahian emphasized that any future adventurism by the Israeli regime that goes against Iran's interests would result in an immediate and maximum level response.
In response to a deadly suspected Israeli airstrike on Iran's consulate in Syria, last week Iran launched an unprecedented attack on Israel. Tehran claimed it was retaliation for the airstrike that killed at least seven officials, including a top Iranian commander, putting the region on edge. Israel has vowed to strike back in return.
The Iranian attack on April 13 seemed to focus more on creating a dramatic display rather than causing significant harm, resulting in Israel and its allies successfully intercepting most of the incoming projectiles.
In response to the attack, Iran's foreign minister issued a warning to Israel.
The tit-for-tat strikes have exposed a long-standing shadow war between Israel and Iran and have caused fear throughout the Middle East.
Israel's allies, such as the United States, are urging Israel to show restraint to avoid the strikes escalating into a larger regional conflict. The ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza is also adding to the tensions between Israel and its neighboring countries.
It is uncertain whether Israel will heed the advice of its allies. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Wednesday that Israel will decide its actions independently in response to Iran's airstrikes.
At the Iranian Permanent Mission to the United Nations, Amir-Abdollahian expressed Iran's hope that Israel would not make the same mistake again. He was referring to the recent Israeli attack in Damascus.
Amir-Abdollahian warned that if Israel repeats this mistake, Iran's response will be strong and regretful for them. He mentioned that this warning was also conveyed to the White House through the Swiss Embassy in Tehran.
"We hope to avoid escalating tensions or creating crises in the Middle East. We sincerely urge the Israeli government to learn from past mistakes and avoid repeating them," Amir-Abdollahian stated.
He also expressed hope that the US would intervene to prevent any potential actions by Israel. He emphasized the importance of the White House not granting permission for any risky endeavors by Israel.
An anti-missile system operates after Iran launched drones and missiles towards Israel, as seen from Ashkelon, Israel April 14, 2024.
An anti-missile system operates after Iran launched drones and missiles towards Israel, as seen from Ashkelon, Israel April 14, 2024.
Amir Cohen/Reuters
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"We expect the US to make decisions based on the communications we've had in the last six months," a spokesperson stated.
Amir-Abdollahian explained that the Iranian strike on Israel over the weekend was intended as a warning and to show that they are capable of responding equally. He mentioned that the more than 300 missiles and drones launched by Iran were within certain limits and considered a legitimate defense in reaction to the suspected Israeli attack.
“Our operations in response were carried out at a minimum because we were not seeking to hit multiple targets,” he said.
CNN’s Jennifer Hauser contributed to this report.
