July 1 (THEWILL) — Iran has issued a stark warning that any attempt to target its leadership or citizens would be met with an “immediate and powerful response”, heightening tensions with Israel and casting fresh uncertainty over fragile diplomatic efforts to avert another regional conflict.
The warning came on Wednesday from Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, after Israeli Defence Minister, Israel Katz, reportedly suggested that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, could become a target if Tehran resumed hostilities against Israel.
In a statement posted on X, Araghchi said Iran would respond forcefully to any aggression directed at its leaders or people, insisting that Tehran would not tolerate threats to its sovereignty or national security.
“Any threat against Iran’s people and leadership will receive an immediate and powerful response”, the minister declared.
He also called on the United States to ensure that Israel refrains from actions capable of reigniting military confrontation, saying Washington bears responsibility for restraining its closest regional ally.
The latest exchange marks a fresh escalation in the war of rhetoric between Tehran and Tel Aviv, just days after both sides stepped back from weeks of direct military exchanges that drew widespread international concern over the possibility of a broader Middle East war.
Diplomatic efforts, led by Qatar and supported by the United States, have since focused on preserving a fragile ceasefire and reopening channels of communication between Washington and Tehran.
Officials familiar with the negotiations said discussions have centred on maintaining security in the Strait of Hormuz.
However, Iranian authorities have maintained that meaningful negotiations cannot resume unless Israel halts threats against the Islamic Republic and existing ceasefire commitments are fully respected.
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