TEHRAN – Iran has rejected the recent Arab League statement on the missile strike conducted by the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) against an Israeli Mossad-affiliated target in Iraq's Kurdistan region.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani made the remarks in a statement issued on Friday, underscoring that the Islamic Republic has no hesitation in punishing criminals.

“The Islamic Republic’s action was taken in accordance with the legitimate right to counter terrorist elements affiliated with the Zionist regime in Erbil, Iraq, who had threatened and endangered Iran’s national security and that of its citizens," he noted.

“Iran will not hesitate to take deterrent measures against the sources of threat to its national security, defend the security of its citizens and punish criminals,” he added. 

He highlighted the significance of respecting Iraq's sovereignty and territorial integrity which is among the core principles in Tehran’s diplomatic relations with Baghdad.

The Iranian diplomat emphasized Iran's responsible approach in recent years to safeguarding Iraq’s security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, particularly amid terrorist attacks by groups like Daesh.

“The Iraqi government is expected to stand committed to the security agreement signed between the two countries last year, and to fully implement its provisions,” Kanaani stressed.

Characterizing the Iran-Iraq relationship as "strong" and "comprehensive," he stated that the unbreakable bonds between the two nations are anchored in common interests and mutual expediencies.

Furthermore, Kanaani urged the Arab League to use its efforts to halt Israeli attacks in Gaza, end the 75-year occupation of Palestinian lands, and support the oppressed Palestinian nation.

The IRGC launched missiles at an Israeli Mossad espionage center in Iraqi Kurdistan, completely destroying it at midnight on Monday. Peshraw Majid Agha Dizayee, a Kurdish oil tycoon with ties to Mossad involved in the illegal export of Iraqi oil to the Tel Aviv regime, was among those killed. 

The Arab League condemned Iran’s missile strikes, alleging a violation of Iraq’s sovereignty, as stated by Ahmed Aboul Gheit, the head of the regional organization.