Iran’s foreign minister, Hossein Amirabdollahian, has issued a warning that new conflicts could emerge against the United States if it continues to unequivocally support Israel. This statement comes amid rising tensions and a rhetorical standoff that has raised concerns that the Israel-Hamas conflict could escalate into a wider regional war.
While Amirabdollahian did not provide specific details regarding the potential consequences Iran might have in store, he emphasized that the United States, by firmly siding and providing support with Israel, was fueling the violence. He strongly refuted any claims that Iran had instructed groups in Syria and Iraq to target U.S. forces in recent days, maintaining that Washington’s actions were the primary drivers of the escalating situation.
In an interview with Bloomberg Television from Iran’s mission to the United Nations in New York, Amirabdollahian expressed his concerns: “The U.S. is advising others to show self-restraint, but it has sided with Israel totally. If the United States continues what it has been doing so far, then new fronts will be opened up against the United States.”
He went on to issue a warning about the potential consequences: “I would like to warn right here that the continuation of the situation, the continuation of the killing of the people in Gaza – women and children – will make the situation get out of control in the region. The American side should decide – does it really want to escalate, intensify the war?”
This statement from Iran’s foreign minister followed the U.S.’s announcement of military strikes on two Syrian facilities with links to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which the U.S. asserted had been used for attacks against its troops in the region. While U.S. officials have stated that they lack concrete evidence implicating Iran in ordering these attacks, they hold Iran responsible due to its support for the groups that carried them out.
Amirabdollahian made it clear that the groups responsible for the attacks on U.S. forces in Syria and Iraq are acting independently and have not received any directives from Tehran. He stated, “They’re not receiving any orders from us, any instructions. The American side claims that these are linked to Iran. These groups decide for themselves independently.”
A significant concern in the region is the possible outcome if Israel proceeds with a full ground invasion of the Gaza Strip to root out Hamas following an attack by the group on October 7. Airstrikes in Gaza have already resulted in numerous casualties, and the UN General Assembly passed a resolution calling for a ceasefire on Friday.
Western officials are particularly worried about the potential response from Iran-backed Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon, who could launch a barrage of attacks that might overwhelm Israeli air defenses. John Kirby, the spokesperson for the U.S. National Security Council, indicated that the U.S. has communicated its concerns to Israel regarding the support and the civilian casualties and collateral damage.
Amirabdollahian issued a warning that a ground invasion could have dire consequences for Israel. As the Israel Defense Forces intensified their attacks in recent days, they announced their preparations for “future stages of the operation” involving expanded ground operations.
“Opening of new fronts will be unavoidable, and that will put Israel in a new situation that will make it regret its actions,” Amirabdollahian stated. “This has reached the point of explosion. Anything is possible, and any front can be opened up.”
Amirabdollahian also revealed that he had advised Hamas to release civilian prisoners held by the militant group, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution. While Hamas has released four hostages so far, negotiations for the release of dozens of others appear to have stalled. In response, Israel has cautioned against placing too much trust in reports of progress.
He made it clear that Iran had not deployed additional troops to Syria or other parts of the region. Still, it was closely monitoring developments and would take appropriate action based on its national interests.
Follow Us: X (Twitter) | Google News | LinkedIn | Pinterest | Facebook | Sharechat | Kooapp | YouTube
