Iran vows to defend sovereignty amid European criticism, condemns Israeli actions

The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman has reaffirmed the Islamic Republic's commitment to defending its national security and sovereignty, emphasizing that Tehran will not seek permission from anyone to exercise its recognized rights.

On August 13, Nasser Kanaani declared that Iran is resolutely determined to contribute to permanent regional stability and act as a deterrent against the primary sources of terrorism and insecurity, Caliber.Az reports via IRNA. His comments came in response to a statement issued by the European Troika (Britain, Germany, and France) regarding regional developments.

Kanaani criticized the European statement, highlighting that while Israel continues to commit genocidal acts and war crimes against defenseless Palestinians with the indifference of pro-regime states and Western nations, Israel's impunity has emboldened it to commit the most heinous crimes.

Addressing the dire humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, Kanaani accused Israel of escalating its crimes against Palestinians and expanding its extra-regional assassinations, while the United Nations and the Security Council have remained inactive in preventing the regime's decade-long crimes.

Kanaani also condemned the three European countries for requesting that Iran refrain from retaliating against Israel after the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran two weeks ago. He argued that such "rude requests" lack political logic and violate international laws and principles, only encouraging further massacres and crimes against humanity.

He urged the European countries to genuinely pursue peace and stability by confronting the adventurism of the apartheid regime, at least once, and working to end the war in Gaza, which has claimed the lives of countless women and children.

In their joint statement, the European nations demanded an immediate cessation of hostilities and the release of all hostages, according to Reuters. The statement also called for the "urgent and unfettered delivery and distribution of aid" to the people of Gaza.

Kanaani noted that the occupying regime is paralyzed by fear and anxiety following Haniyeh's assassination, as Iran has vowed decisive retaliation. In response to the assassination of both Haniyeh in Tehran and senior Hezbollah military commander Fouad Shukr in Beirut, intelligence and security agencies in Tel Aviv have been evacuated, fearing retaliatory attacks from Iran and Hezbollah.