Western powers urge Iran to halt planned assault on Israel
France, Germany, and the United Kingdom have called on Iran to withdraw plans for an attack on Israel. However, Tehran has rejected this appeal. "Such demands lack political logic and are completely contrary to the principles and rules of international law," said Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani.
France, Germany, and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement urging Iran and Tehran's allies to "refrain from attacks that could lead to further escalation in the region and endanger the possibility of a ceasefire and the release of hostages."
It was emphasized that Iran and its allies "will be held responsible for actions that threaten the chance for peace and stability."
Iran rejects Western countries' appeal
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani, through the Tasnim agency, responded to this appeal. He stated that the "Israeli regime" is committing war crimes against the "defenseless Palestinian nation."
"In a situation where the United Nations and its Security Council have been unable for over ten months to create a deterrent against the criminal Zionist regime, the scale of anti-human crimes against the Palestinian nation (...) is taking on new dimensions," said Kanani.
He accused the three European countries of not opposing the crimes of Israel in their statement. "They brazenly call on the Islamic Republic of Iran not to act as a deterrent against a regime that violates sovereignty and territorial integrity," the spokesman said.
"Such demands lack political logic and are completely contrary to the principles and rules of international law. They are excessive demands and constitute public and practical support for international crimes and terrorism," he emphasized.
"If these countries truly want peace and stability in the region, they should once and for all oppose the incitement to war and adventurousness of the Israeli apartheid regime, the war in Gaza, and the horrific killing of women, children, and citizens," the spokesman added.
He added that Iran is "determined to defend its sovereignty" and that its actions are of a "deterrent" nature against the "real source of instability and terrorism in the region."
Will Iran strike?
Iran is once again considering a plan for a major attack on Israel. However, Tehran is under diplomatic pressure from the United States, warning of serious consequences for such a move. U.S. officials believe that Iran's response is inevitable, though it may be less intense and postponed in time.
Meanwhile, Yemeni rebel leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi announced that his group would join a collective retaliation against Israel as part of the so-called axis of resistance, and actions will be coordinated between Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis, according to the Times of Israel. In July, the Houthis carried out an attack on Israel that resulted in the death of one person; in response, Israeli air forces bombed the city of Al-Hudaydah, controlled by the group.
Israeli Channel 12 reported on Wednesday that Israel warned Hezbollah and Iran that any civilian casualties during the planned attack would be considered crossing a red line, prompting a "disproportionate response."
