Iran’s Foreign Minister, Hossein Amirabdollahian, has dismissed Israel’s recent drone attack over Isfahan, describing the weapons used as “more like children’s toys” in an interview with NBC News. Currently attending a UN Security Council session in New York, Amirabdollahian stated that Iran does not plan to retaliate unless Israel escalates the situation significantly.
He warned of a swift and severe response if Israel were to take further action against Iran, emphasizing that any such move would be met with immediate and maximum retaliation. Tensions between the two nations peaked earlier this year when Israel bombed an Iranian consular building in Damascus on April 1, resulting in casualties among Iranian military personnel.
In response to the Israeli attack, Iran launched a large-scale military assault on Israel involving over 300 missiles and drones after 12 days. However, Israeli air defense systems intercepted most of the projectiles, preventing major damage. Amirabdollahian characterized Iran’s attack as a “warning,” stating that civilian areas were deliberately spared.
Israel retaliated with airstrikes near Isfahan’s military airfield on Thursday. While Iranian media reported no casualties and claimed no damage to nuclear facilities, the attack signaled Israel’s readiness to counter any further escalation from Iran.
Former Israeli Intelligence official and regional analyst Avi Melamed interpreted the attack as a deterrent message to Tehran, indicating Israel’s capability to strike key Iranian targets in response to provocations.
Despite the tensions, both Israeli and American officials have called for calm, with the White House expressing a desire to avoid further escalation of the conflict. Analysts suggest that the restrained public statements from both sides indicate a mutual desire to ease tensions.
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