Türkiye urges restraint, calls on Iran to de-escalate tensions with Israel
Ankara calls on Iran to avoid further escalation with Israel after Tehran's recent attack on Tel Aviv in response to the latter's targeting of Iranian diplomatic mission in Syria
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan engaged in a diplomatic dialogue with his Iranian counterpart, Hossein Amirabdollahian, as confirmed by diplomatic sources Sunday.
During the call, Minister Fidan conveyed Türkiye's stance, emphasizing Ankara's desire to prevent any further escalation of tensions in the region.
This communication follows Iran's recent drone and missile strike targeting Israel in response to an attack on an Iranian diplomatic mission in Syria by Israeli forces.
In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian assured Minister Fidan that Iran's "retaliatory operation" against Israel had concluded.
He stated Iran would refrain from initiating any new military actions unless provoked, according to Turkish diplomatic sources.
Iran ends operation against Israel
"From Iran's perspective, the military operation against Israel has concluded," Iran's Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, Sardar Bagheri, asserted in an interview on Iranian TV, adding that Iranian armed forces remain vigilant and prepared to act if necessary.
Bagheri emphasized that the operation was a response to what Iran perceived as Israel crossing its red lines, particularly citing the targeting of Iran's consulate in Damascus and the killing of Iranian legal advisors.
Bagheri also issued a stark warning, stating: "If the Zionist regime responds, our next operation will be much bigger," underscoring Iran's readiness for further escalation.
Bagheri also highlighted the directive from Iran's Supreme Leader, indicating that the punishment for Israel's offensive had to be carried out.
Iran's supreme leader warns Israel of retaliation over Damascus strike
Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, condemned the April 1 strike, which destroyed the five-storey Iranian consulate building in the Syrian capital, citing violations of international agreements safeguarding the inviolability of diplomatic premises.
"The consulate and embassy offices in any country are the territory of that country," he emphasized. "When they attacked our consulate, it means they attacked our territory."
Source: Newsroom
