WANA (Aug 21) – In an interview with CNN, Mohsen Rezaei, a member of Iran’s Expediency Discernment Council, addressed the possibility of a retaliatory strike against Israel following the reported assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas, in Tehran.

 

Rezaei asserted that Iran would act at a “suitable time and place” and emphasized Iran’s right to self-defence under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter. “If there is no response, Israel’s aggression will continue, so a response is inevitable,” he stated.

 

When asked about the nature and scale of Iran’s potential response, Rezaei, who served as the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) during the Iran-Iraq War, refrained from providing specifics. He remarked, “The answer to your question will become clear after Iran takes action.”

 

Rezaei criticized the United States, claiming it has blocked all political and legal avenues to restrain Israel, which, according to him, has led to severe human rights violations in Gaza. He compared the ongoing bombardment in Gaza to the devastation of World War II, noting that for every 30 Palestinians, one ton of bombs has been dropped, resulting in tens of thousands of casualties.

 

Regarding concerns that Iran’s response could escalate into a larger regional conflict, Rezaei assured Iran has carefully considered the consequences. He warned that Iran will act strategically to ensure that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who he described as “sinking into a quagmire,” does not escape the repercussions of his actions.

 

Rezaei urged the U.S., Israel’s primary supporter, to reconsider its Middle East policies. He questioned the outcomes of U.S. military interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan and the unwavering support for Israel, highlighting that Tel Aviv dictates American foreign policy.

 

He warned that the U.S. is losing credibility even among its allies as countries like Saudi Arabia and Turkey increasingly turn to Russia and China. The official stressed that the U.S. cannot claim to reduce tensions while backing Israel and emphasized Iran’s key role in ensuring regional peace and security.

 

Gaza Ceasefire Needed, Netanyahu Should Be Prosecuted

In response to U.S. threats about potential Iranian attacks on Israel, a former Iranian Revolutionary Guard commander stated that “today’s America is not the America of the past.”

 

He pointed out that the U.S. is engaged in conflicts in Ukraine, Taiwan, and the Red Sea and cannot afford to open a new front against Iran, which could significantly damage the U.S. He noted that American commanders understand this, and U.S. troops lack the will to fight Iran. Nonetheless, Iran is ready to respond to any action.

 

He also discussed Iran’s strategy for a powerful yet limited response to avoid widespread war, stressing that the goal is to achieve a ceasefire and end the violence by Israel. He criticized the U.S. and Israel for the current conflict, arguing that an earlier U.S. push for a ceasefire could have prevented it. He called for a ceasefire and for Netanyahu to face international justice.

 

Regarding ceasefire talks, he expressed doubt, citing Netanyahu and his hardline cabinet as the main obstacles and noting their rejection of a Biden proposal accepted by Hamas.

 

Regional Countries Capable of Forming Security Alliance

In response to questions about Iran’s new administration and regional issues, an Iranian official expressed confidence in Masoud Pezeshkian’s leadership. He noted Pezeshkian’s success in engaging various groups and his coordination with the Supreme Leader, Parliament, and judiciary.

 

The official warned that the crisis started by Israel in Western Asia could escalate if not controlled, though Iran seeks no war and will defend itself if necessary. He criticized outdated Cold War-era security structures and said the U.S. should not block regional security efforts. He believes regional countries can form their own security alliance but face obstacles from U.S. and European interference.

 

Regarding whether U.S. allies like the UAE would join this alliance, he stressed that only unity can ensure regional security and pointed out the failure of other approaches, such as the Abraham Accords, as reflected in the region’s current state.