Amid escalating tensions, Iran issued a warning on Thursday, declaring a potential reevaluation of its nuclear strategy if Israel were to target any of its nuclear facilities.
Brigadier General Ahmed Haqtalab, Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) responsible for safeguarding nuclear sites, emphasized Iran’s readiness to retaliate against any threats posed to its nuclear installations by Israel.
The latest threat follows speculation that Tel Aviv is contemplating a military response to the IRGC’s recent direct assault on multiple Israeli positions using drones and missiles over the weekend.
Tehran justified the assault as a response to the attack on the Iranian Consulate in Damascus on April 1, which resulted in the deaths of seven Iranian military personnel, including high-ranking IRGC commanders in Syria and Lebanon.
Despite calls from several Western nations for restraint and de-escalation, Israeli authorities have hinted at potential retaliation in the face of mounting tensions.
Haqtalab asserted that any Israeli aggression targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities would be met with swift repercussions, potentially leading to a reconsideration of Iran’s established nuclear policies and strategies.
Highlighting the significance of international agreements and the guidelines set forth by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Haqtalab underscored Iran’s preparedness to address any threats effectively.
According to him, Iran has the intelligence required to identify potential nuclear targets within Israel, and stands ready to engage if circumstances demand immediate action.
Accusing Israel of disregarding global laws and norms, particularly following the attack on Iran’s diplomatic outpost in Damascus, Haqtalab condemned the Israeli actions as criminal.
As Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian attended a UN Security Council meeting in New York on Palestinian membership, he cautioned during recent discussions with foreign counterparts about an impending forceful response from Iran.
Deputy Foreign Minister and Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator, Ali Bagheri Kani, reiterated on Monday that any fresh Israeli military incursions would be met with swift and definitive retaliation from Iran.
He warned that in case of any further Israeli provocations, the response from Iran would be immediate and forceful.