Iran reserves right to react to Israeli strikes, welcomes Lebanon ceasefire, foreign minister says

Israel struck targets in Iran on October 26 in retaliation for an Iranian missile barrage against Israel on October 1.

By REUTERS NOVEMBER 27, 2024 15:50

Conceptual image of war between Israel and Iran using chess pieces and national flags (photo credit: INGIMAGE)

Tehran reserves the right to react Israeli airstrikes last month on Iran but also bears in mind other developments in the region, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Wednesday.

Araghchi told reporters during a trip to Lisbon that Iran welcomed Tuesday's ceasefire agreement in Lebanon and hoped it could lead to a permanent ceasefire. The ceasefire between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah came into effect on Wednesday under an agreement brokered by the United States and France.

Asked whether the ceasefire could lead to an easing of tensions between Israel and Iran, he said: "It depends on the behavior of Israel."

"Of course, we reserve the right to react to the recent Israeli aggression, but we do consider all developments in the region," he said.

Israel's previous retaliatory strikes

Israel struck targets in Iran on October 26 in retaliation for an Iranian missile barrage against Israel on October 1.

An anti-Israel billboard is seen next to the Iranian flag during a celebration following the IRGC attack on Israel, in Tehran, Iran, April 15, 2024. (credit: Majid Asgaripour/WANA/via Reuters)

Ali Larijani, a senior adviser to Iran's supreme leader, said in an interview published by Iran's Tasnim news agency on Sunday that his country was preparing to "respond" to Israel.