Iran says action against Israel ‘concluded’ unless it invites further retaliation

Iran exercised its right to “self-defence” against Israel and its action is concluded unless the “Israeli regime decides to invite further retaliation,” said Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi on social media early on Wednesday.

Tehran launched a salvo of missiles against Israel on Tuesday, Reuters has reported. This was in apparent retaliation for the killing of several leaders of Iran-aligned armed groups and Iranian army officers. Araqchi said that Washington was told by Tehran not to interfere following its attack on Israel.

“Message exchanges do not mean coordination,” Araqchi was quoted as saying by Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency. “No message was sent prior to our response. After this response, a warning was conveyed via Switzerland telling Americans that it was our right to self-defence and that we do not intend to continue [the attack].”

The minister said that Iran’s action against Israel came after exercising tremendous restraint to give space and time for a ceasefire in Gaza.

“Our action is concluded unless the Israeli regime decides to invite further retaliation. In that scenario, our response will be stronger and more powerful,” he added.

Iran’s foreign ministry called on the UN Security Council earlier to take “meaningful action” to prevent threats against regional peace and security.

“I am optimistic about future days,” said Araqchi. “There is a possibility of conflict but our forces are fully prepared. We expect to gradually witness stability in our region over the coming days.”

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