Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has declared that Tehran will not heed US warnings to stay out of the Hamas-Israel conflict and criticized the West for its alleged reluctance to help end the hostilities.
In an interview with Al Jazeera, Raisi stated that the US is making an “invalid demand” by asking Iran not to get involved in the conflict while simultaneously providing support to Israel. He also asserted that Israel’s expanded ground operations in Gaza have been unsuccessful, describing it as a second victory for the Palestinians following the initial attack by Hamas on Israel in October.
Furthermore, Raisi claimed that the United States has received a practical and public response on the ground from the Axis of Resistance, an informal alliance of anti-Western and anti-Israel forces in the Middle East.
The Iranian president criticized the US and unnamed European countries for obstructing a ceasefire in Gaza, labeling such actions as a crime. He argued that the United States’ calculations in the region are completely misguided and emphasized that Tehran’s support for the Palestinians is unwavering and not subject to compromise.
After the Hamas attack earlier this month, US President Joe Biden pledged unconditional support for Israel while cautioning Iran to exercise caution. However, Biden did not advocate for a cessation of hostilities, and there were reports that the State Department had instructed its diplomats not to call for de-escalation or a ceasefire in Gaza.
Biden has publicly stated that ceasefire talks cannot begin until Hamas releases more than 200 hostages. Meanwhile, European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has called for a humanitarian pause in the conflict and expressed belief in consensus among EU member states on the matter.
These statements from President Raisi follow Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian’s warning to the US that new fronts will be opened up against Washington if it does not alter its Middle East policies, including its unwavering support for Israel.
It is essential to note that the situation in the Hamas-Israel conflict remains tense and fluid. Both sides continue to exchange fire, and civilian casualties continue to rise. The international community, including the United States and European Union, continues to call for a de-escalation and humanitarian pause in the conflict to prevent further suffering and loss of life.
As the crisis unfolds, it is crucial for all parties involved to consider the long-term consequences of their actions and prioritize the well-being and safety of innocent civilians caught in the crossfire.
Source link
