NOURNEWS: Unlike most cabinet ministers who have been calmly preparing to hand over their responsibilities to their successors, Iran’s acting Foreign Minister, Ali Baqeri Kani, has had very busy days.
Following the Zionist regime’s terrorist actions in Tehran and the martyrdom of Ismaeil Haniyeh, the head of Hamas Political Bureau, Tehran has become the center of intense consultations. This includes Baqeri’s phone talks with regional and European counterparts, the sudden visit by Jordan’s Foreign Minister to Tehran, and now the visit by Russia’s Secretary of the National Security Council, as well as gatherings of ambassadors and representatives at Iran’s Foreign Ministry.
These diplomatic efforts, driven by the assassination of Ismaeil Haniyeh, also involve Western officials and heads of state, with the United States at the forefront. For example, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has spoken with G7 counterparts about limiting Iran and Hezbollah's attacks and controlling Israel's reactions to prevent further tensions.
Global media has focused on the tension between Israel and Iran. Last Wednesday morning, Ismaeil Haniyeh, who had attended the inauguration of Iran’s new president, was assassinated in his Tehran residence. Iran has held the Israeli regime responsible for this terrorist attack and has emphasized its right to retaliate, as supported by international law and norms.
Prior to this, the Zionist regime had targeted Iran’s consulate in Damascus, leading to the martyrdom of several Iranian military counselors. This act was seen as crossing Iran’s red lines. In response, Tehran conducted extensive missile and drone attacks against Israeli targets in the Occupied Territories for the first time.
Currently, with fears of revenge for Haniyeh's assassination, extensive discussions are being held, notably inviting both sides to exercise self-restraint, with Iran being the main focus. U.S. President Joe Biden has expressed hope that Iran will self-restrain. Blinken has requested G7 ministers to pressure Iran, Hezbollah, and Israel for self-restraint, highlighting that increased U.S. forces in the region are part of a defensive strategy.
These consultations, aimed at reducing tensions, reflect a larger concern: the possibility of a more extensive war between Israel and the Resistance. The visits by Russia’s National Security Council Secretary and Jordan’s Foreign Minister to Tehran indicate global acknowledgment of Tehran’s determination to defend its interests against foreign threats. It also shows that Israel and its supporters are worried about Tehran’s resolve.
It seems that both the U.S. and Tel Aviv believe, based on past experiences, that Iran is determined to use its legal right to retaliate and punish the terrorist responsible. Leniency towards a war-seeking figure like Netanyahu, a long-time enemy of Iran and the Resistance, will likely embolden him and weaken Iran’s preemptive capabilities.
Thus, Iran’s response is naturally certain. The primary goal of such consultations might be as Blinken mentioned: to curb Iran’s attacks and control Israel’s reaction to prevent further tensions.
The invitation for Iran and Hezbollah to self-restrain comes while supporters of Israel had months to pressure Israel to halt its crimes and costly adventures. Instead, they have backed the Zionist regime financially, spiritually, and with weaponry. This support has led to continued Israeli genocide, failed truce discussions, and Netanyahu’s increased aggression.
There is no guarantee that Tehran and the Resistance’s self-restraint will significantly impact Netanyahu’s war-seeking behavior. Thus, Tehran insists on a reciprocal response in line with its national interests and defensive measures. Tehran has made it clear from the beginning of the Gaza War that it is focused on diplomacy to develop a truce. While Iran projects strength, it also seeks a strong region.
Standing against the Zionists' greed and aggression aligns with achieving a strong region. First, Iran’s right to respond to Israel’s provocations must be acknowledged. Then, the nature and extent of the punishment must be addressed and guaranteed. Will there be a clear quid pro quo for pressuring the Zionist regime to curb its aggression, halt the Gaza War, and meet Palestinian rights?
If Americans are sincere about their concerns, they must recognize that the root of the issues lies in Tel Aviv, not Tehran. Washington must address Tehran’s concerns as a regional power, which has not been the case so far.
Examining the Zionist regime’s villainy shows that Tehran and the Resistance’s self-restraint only boosts the Zionists' confidence, allowing them to continue their criminal actions and harming Iran’s interests with no benefit for the region.