Iran responds after Israel threatens to deliver a killing blow

Iranian officials have responded strongly after Israel called for completing its work against its regional rival.

"Threatening other countries is a serious violation of international law and the UN Charter," Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said at a press conference on February 17 regarding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's recent statement.

Iranians attend a ceremony commemorating the Iranian Islamic Revolution in Tehran on February 10.

The previous day, Prime Minister Netanyahu said Israel and the United States were determined to stop Iran's nuclear ambitions and influence in the Middle East. The statement came after Netanyahu met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Jerusalem.

"Over the past 16 months, Israel has delivered a powerful blow to Iran's terrorist axis. Under the strong leadership of President (Donald) Trump, I am confident that we can and will complete the job," Netanyahu said.

During that time, Israel fought against pro-Iranian groups including Hamas in the Gaza Strip, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the Houthi in Yemen. These groups were members of the "Axis of Resistance" against Israel, demonstrating solidarity with the Palestinians.

For his part, the US Secretary of State declared that he would not allow Iran to become a nuclear power. Rubio accused Iran of supporting armed groups, engaging in violence, causing instability, and threatening the peace and stability of millions in the region.

In a statement on February 17, spokesman Baqaei said Iran has defended its nuclear program and will not hesitate to continue to do so. Iran has long maintained that its nuclear program is for civilian purposes only.

"Iran's moderate nuclear program is ongoing and has been ongoing for the past three decades, based on Iran's rights as a member of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. We certainly will not show any weakness in this regard," the spokesperson declared, emphasizing that Israel would be powerless against Iran.

Recent reports in the US media indicate that intelligence agencies under both the Trump administration and his predecessor Joe Biden have assessed that Israel is capable of attacking Iranian nuclear facilities this year.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/iran-dap-tra-sau-khi-israel-doa-tung-don-ket-lieu-185250217161659555.htm