Iran has rejected Western calls to de-escalate its threats of retaliation against Israel following the killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on July 31.
Iran's foreign ministry spokesman, Nasser Kanani, criticized the call for de-escalation, stating that such a request "lacks political logic, flies in the face of the principles and rules of international law, and constitutes public and practical support" for Israel.
Kanani accused the Western powers of failing to object to what he termed "international crimes of the Zionist regime."
"The declaration by France, Germany and Britain, which raised no objection to the international crimes of the Zionist regime, brazenly asks Iran to take no deterrent action against a regime which has violated its sovereignty and territorial integrity," he said in a statement.
Haniyeh's killing, which happened during his visit to Iran for President Masoud Pezeshkian's inauguration, has heightened tensions in an already volatile region.
Iran and its allies have held Israel responsible for Haniyeh's death, though Israel has not commented on the allegations.
The Hamas leader was killed shortly after an Israeli strike in Beirut claimed the life of a senior Hezbollah commander, further inflaming regional tensions.
On Monday, the United States, along with its European allies Britain, France, Germany, and Italy, issued a joint statement urging Iran to "stand down its ongoing threats of a military attack against Israel."
The statement emphasized the serious consequences for regional security should such an attack occur.
The White House has warned of a possible "significant set of attacks" by Iran and its allies as soon as this week, a view reportedly shared by Israeli intelligence.
In response, the US has deployed an aircraft carrier strike group and a guided missile submarine to the region in support of Israel.
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