Iran rejects Western calls to refrain from attack on Israel

Iran has ignored requests from the UK and other Western nations to avoid seeking revenge on Israel for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last month.

During a lot of talks between countries to bring tensions down, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer asked Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to stop making threats of a military attack in a rare phone call on Monday.

However, Mr Pezeshkian stated that retaliation is a means of preventing crime and is Iran's legal entitlement, as reported by Iranian state media.

Israel has not confirmed any involvement in the assassination of Haniyeh, but they have raised their military readiness to the highest level.

The United States has raised concerns about possible attacks from Iran or its allies, and they are getting ready for a major attack in the coming week. They have increased their military presence in the Middle East to support the defense of Israel.

The strong Hezbollah group in Lebanon, supported by Iran, is also promising to respond after Israel assassinated one of its key leaders in an airstrike in Beirut.

Monday night, the top officials of the United Kingdom, France, and Germany released a statement together. They called on Iran and their supporters to not do any attacks that would make tensions in the region worse.

"They will be held accountable for any actions that put this chance for peace and stability at risk,” stated Sir Keir, President Emmanuel Macron, and Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Afterwards, the UK prime minister conveyed his serious worries directly to the president of Iran over the phone - marking the first conversation of its kind since March 2021.

Keir advised Pezeshkian that a mistake could happen and it was important to stay calm and think carefully, according to a statement from the Prime Minister's office.

"He urged Iran to avoid attacking Israel, stating that war would not benefit anyone," it included.

Tuesday morning, the Iranian state news agency Irna stated that Mr Pezeshkian had informed Sir Keir that the backing of Western countries for Israel had emboldened them to persist in their inhumane actions and posed a threat to peace and security.

Pezeshkian mentioned that according to the Islamic Republic of Iran, war is not beneficial for any country. He highlighted that responding to aggression with punishment is a legal right of nations and a method to prevent crime and aggression.

The Iranian foreign ministry rejected the requests for calm from the governments of United Kingdom, France, and Germany.

"The requests lack political sense, go against the principles and regulations of international law, and are excessive," stated spokesperson Nasser Kaanani.

The Israeli army stated that it was giving careful attention to the statements made by Iran.

"We are fully ready to defend ourselves and attack if needed, following the government's instructions," said Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari during a press conference.

A spokesperson for the Israeli government issued a strong message to Iran and its supporters, cautioning that Israel will retaliate forcefully against any acts of aggression from any source.

John Kirby, a spokesperson for the US National Security Council, informed the press that they have similar worries and hopes as the Israeli officials regarding the possible schedule. It is possible that this could happen within the week.

"We can't be sure right now if Iran or its supporters are planning an attack, but we need to be ready," he said.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has sent an additional aircraft carrier strike group and a guided missile submarine to the Middle East to support the Pentagon's assertion that the US is fully dedicated to protecting Israel.

The United States thinks that a new agreement to stop fighting in Gaza and to free Israeli captives would be the most effective way to reduce conflict in the area. The US has urged for negotiations to restart on Thursday.

Israel has announced that they will be sending a group of negotiators to hash out the details of a deal, while Hamas has shown a willingness to participate in principle, despite the loss of their leader.

Hamas stated on Sunday that any agreement should be founded on the previous discussions that took place a month and a half ago, and not on any further talks.

Israel began a military operation in Gaza to eliminate Hamas after a massive attack on southern Israel on 7 October, resulting in approximately 1,200 casualties and 251 people being held captive.

Over 39,920 individuals have lost their lives in Gaza up to this point, as reported by the health ministry controlled by Hamas in the territory.

Many individuals have lost their lives in the frequent clashes between Hezbollah and the Israeli military along the Israel-Lebanon border since the conflict began.