TEHRAN – In a call for regional unity, Iran has stressed that West Asian countries are working together to mobilize public efforts aimed at stopping Israel's ongoing military offensives in Gaza and Lebanon.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei made these remarks during his weekly press conference on Monday, highlighting the escalating death tolls as Israel's military actions continue to devastate the region.

Since the beginning of Israel’s two-front aggression in early October 2023, the death toll in Gaza has reached at least 42,603, with an additional 2,464 killed in Lebanon, according to local sources. 

Baqaei noted that countries in the region, in collaboration with their allies, are working toward organizing public mobilization to counter Israel’s killing machine and to protect the innocent lives being lost.

“The countries of the region, along with their partners, are trying to organize public mobilization against the killing of innocent people by the occupying regime,” Baqaei stated. 

He also reaffirmed Iran’s openness to cooperating with any country willing to contribute to stopping Israel’s aggression. Moreover, he reminded the international community—especially the signatories of the 1948 UN Genocide Convention—of their responsibilities under international human rights treaties to intervene in such atrocities.

‘Iran fully ready to respond to any act of aggression’

As Israel continues its military campaign in Gaza and Lebanon, it has also intensified its rhetoric against Iran, further heightening tensions in the region. In recent weeks, leaked U.S. intelligence documents have suggested that Israel may be planning a direct attack on Iran. Baqaei emphasized Iran’s preparedness to defend itself against any potential aggression.

“Iran is fully ready to respond to any act of aggression,” he said, reaffirming that the Islamic Republic remains vigilant and will use all available resources to counter any threats from Israel. Baqaei emphasized that Iran’s military capabilities are strong, and the nation remains committed to repelling the “evil Zionist regime.”

Iran lodges complaint to UN over Israeli nuclear threats

Baghaei also announced that Iran has formally complained to the United Nations about Israel's threats to target its nuclear facilities. The spokesman condemned these threats as violations of international law, including UN resolutions, and urged the UN Security Council to intervene.

“Threats to attack nuclear sites are not only against UN resolutions but also pose a serious risk to international peace and security,” Baqaei warned. He further insisted that such actions must be condemned and rejected by the global community.

‘Iran’s territorial integrity undisputable’ 

Addressing recent claims by the European Union and the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) regarding the Iranian islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa, Baqaei firmly reiterated Iran’s sovereignty over the islands. 

"Iran has no doubts about its territorial integrity and sovereignty over the three islands,” he stated, dismissing the claims as unfounded and reaffirming that Iran’s position is based on well-established international principles that respect national sovereignty.

The three islands fell under British control in 1921 but on November 30, 1971, a day after British forces left the region and just two days before the UAE was to become an official federation, Iran’s sovereignty over the islands was restored.