Iran not to seek permission to defend its sovereignty, says official

Spokesman for Iran's Foreign Ministry Nasser Kanaani has said that Iran will not seek anyone's permission to exercise its right to defend its sovereignty.

This comes in response to calls from the UK, Germany, and France urging the Islamic Republic to refrain from retaliating against Israel for the assassination of Hamas political bureau leader Ismail Haniyeh, Caliber.Az reports citing the Russian media.

"Iran is firmly committed to protecting its sovereignty and national security, contributing to regional stability, and creating deterrence against the true sources of terrorism and instability in the region. The country will not ask for anyone’s permission to exercise its inherent rights," Kanaani added.

On August 12, the United Kingdom, Germany, and France issued a joint statement urging Iran and its allies to refrain from attacks that could further escalate regional tension and jeopardize the possibility of negotiating a ceasefire and the release of hostages. If Iran were to strike Israel, it would be held responsible for disrupting negotiations between Israeli authorities and Hamas regarding the resolution of the situation in Gaza.

The diplomat noted that the European trio's statement "contains no objection to the international crimes committed by Israel and audaciously demands that the Islamic Republic of Iran refrain from taking retaliatory and deterrent measures against a regime violating its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"If these countries genuinely seek peace and stability in the region, they should unequivocally oppose the provocations of the Israeli regime and the incitement of conflict. They must also immediately end the war against the Gaza Strip and halt the horrific killings of women, children, and defenseless residents of Palestine," Kanaani stated.