Israel’s further provocation will lead to stronger response from Iran: FM
TEHRAN – Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has issued a stern warning to Israel, cautioning the regime not to underestimate Tehran’s resolve.
Speaking during the “Al-Aqsa Flood: The Beginning of Nasrallah” conference held in Tehran on Tuesday, Araqchi underscored that Israel is fully aware of the extensive range of Iranian missile capabilities, which can target key sites across the occupied territories.
Araqchi recalled the October 2023 operation launched by Hamas, which he described as a "historic" move against the occupying Israeli regime. The operation, he said, delivered a severe blow to Israel and highlighted its vulnerabilities. He echoed the sentiments of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, who had previously hailed the operation as a significant victory against Israel.
“We caution the Zionist regime not to test Iran’s resolve,” Araqchi said. “Any aggression will be met with an even stronger response than before.”
The Foreign Minister also referenced a significant Iranian military response on October 1st, when the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) launched a barrage of supersonic ballistic missiles targeting Israeli military, intelligence, and espionage facilities. This operation, known as "Operation True Promise II," was launched in retaliation for Israel’s targeted assassinations of prominent figures, including Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, Hezbollah’s leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, and IRGC commander Abbas Nilforooshan in Beirut.
Araqchi emphasized that Iran’s actions are calculated and deliberate. “We monitor every move closely, and we are neither in a hurry nor hesitant to respond,” he said, reiterating that Iran’s response to any aggression would be swift and decisive.
Highlighting the Palestinian cause, Araqchi stressed that it remains a central issue on the global stage, and the strength of the Islamic Resistance is robust across all fronts—both in technological capabilities and strategic planning. He emphasized that the Resistance is not dependent on any single leader, pointing to the resilience of the movement despite the loss of key figures.
The Foreign Minister’s remarks follow Israel’s repeated threats of retaliation after Iran’s missile strikes earlier this month. Araqchi, however, dismissed these threats, assuring that any further Israeli aggression would be met with an even more forceful response. “Our enemies are well aware of the targets that are within our reach,” he stated. “They have already witnessed the effectiveness of our missiles.”
Araqchi also pointed to earlier missile and drone strikes carried out by the IRGC in April, which caused significant damage to Israeli military installations across the occupied territories. These strikes, part of "Operation True Promise I," demonstrated Iran’s readiness to respond to any hostile actions from Israel, further escalating the ongoing conflict.
Araqchi concluded by reaffirming Iran’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and the broader Resistance movement. “Iran has always stood by the Resistance, and it will continue to do so with full strength,” he declared, adding that the successful execution of recent operations underscored the country’s commitment to defending Palestine and responding to any aggression.
Having recently returned from visits to Lebanon and Syria, Araqchi emphasized that Iran’s message remains consistent: the Islamic Republic will always back the Resistance in its struggle against Israeli occupation.
Araqchi departs for Saudi Arabia on Tuesday afternoon
Araqchi is set to begin a tour of Saudi Arabia and several other regional countries on Tuesday afternoon to discuss regional developments and make efforts to stop the Zionist regime’s crimes in Lebanon and Gaza.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Araqchi stated that the developments in the region and prevention of Israeli crimes in Lebanon will be discussed in the upcoming meetings.
“A collective movement by Islamic countries is underway,” he said, adding that Iran's policy is to support the Resistance.