Rosalind Evans
Iran has announced it will not rush into retaliation against Israel for the killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. The country’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has indicated that its response will be measured and deliberate.
A Calculated Approach to Retaliation
Ali Mohammad Naeini, an IRGC spokesperson, stated, “Time is on our side, and the waiting period for this response may be prolonged.” This suggests that Iran is opting for a strategic rather than immediate response. Naeini emphasized, “For now, the Zionists must live in instability, and Iran’s response may not be a repeat of past operations.” He highlighted that Iran’s approach will not be hasty and will leverage its experience dealing with adversaries.
Tensions in the Region
The recent deaths of Haniyeh and Hezbollah commander Fu’ad Shukr have heightened tensions in the Middle East. The assassination of Haniyeh, reportedly using a covert explosive device, followed closely on the heels of Shukr’s death, attributed to an Israeli airstrike. Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei condemned Israel, stating, “You have killed our dear guest in our house and now have paved the way for your harsh punishment.” Meanwhile, Hezbollah’s leader declared that a response to Shukr’s death was “inevitable.”
Strategic Calculations and Diplomatic Efforts
Mohsen Rezaee, former IRGC commander, echoed similar sentiments about Iran’s strategic stance. He told CNN, “The Iranian actions will be very calculated ones,” and criticized the U.S. and Israel’s handling of the Gaza conflict. Rezaee suggested that the U.S. and Israel’s actions were prolonging the war, stating, “The more this war extends, the more the United States will be damaged.”
Recent diplomatic efforts have focused on a ceasefire, with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken noting that Israel has accepted a proposal to bridge gaps in negotiations. However, Iran’s response remains a concern, as it might impact the ceasefire process. Tehran’s mission to the UN has claimed that their retaliation plans are “totally unrelated to the Gaza ceasefire.”
Future Prospects
Despite the high rhetoric, some diplomats believe Iran and Hezbollah are cautious about taking immediate action for fear of igniting a broader conflict. The Iranian strategy may involve waiting to see the outcome of ceasefire talks before deciding on any further actions.
