Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has cautioned Israel against further military aggression, warning that additional attacks could escalate into a “large-scale war.”
Speaking to China’s state broadcaster CCTV in a December interview aired on Saturday, Araghchi stressed Iran’s commitment to diplomacy while underscoring its readiness to respond to any provocation.
“We are fully prepared for the possibility of further attacks by Israel,” Araghchi said. “I hope Israel will refrain from taking such reckless actions, as it could lead to a large-scale war.”
He added, “We believe that reason will ultimately prevail and prevent actions that could have serious consequences.”
Araghchi reaffirmed Iran’s strategy of working with regional and international partners, including China, to de-escalate tensions and pursue peaceful solutions.
Mounting Tensions and Direct Confrontations
The shadow conflict between Israel and Iran has increasingly spilled into direct military clashes over the past year. In October, the two nations engaged in a notable exchange of fire.
Israel launched a large-scale airstrike targeting Iranian radar and air defense systems in retaliation for a ballistic missile attack on Israeli territory.
The Iranian strike was reportedly in response to the assassinations of key Tehran allies, including Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and Hezbollah’s Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut.
Earlier, in April, an Israeli airstrike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus killed two senior Iranian generals and several Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) officers.
Iran retaliated by deploying over 300 drones and missiles in an unprecedented direct attack on Israeli infrastructure.
In recent weeks, Houthi forces allied with Tehran have launched multiple ballistic missiles into Israel, prompting the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to conduct airstrikes in Yemen.
These ongoing exchanges have heightened concerns that the conflict could spiral out of control without renewed diplomatic efforts.
Changing Regional Dynamics
The Middle East’s strategic landscape has undergone significant shifts, including the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime and the weakening of Hezbollah.
These developments have emboldened Israeli and US officials, who reportedly view Tehran as increasingly vulnerable.
Israeli defense officials have reportedly enhanced operational readiness, exploiting the neutralization of Syrian air defenses to secure access to Iranian airspace.
These preparations, coupled with a perceived strategic window, have fueled speculation about a possible Israeli strike on Iran.
Last month, US President Joe Biden reportedly convened a high-level meeting to discuss potential military action against Iran, driven by fears that Tehran might accelerate its nuclear weapons program.
While Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons, emphasizing its peaceful intentions, Araghchi has reiterated Tehran’s resistance to coercion and sanctions.
“The more they impose sanctions and pressure on Iran, the more Iran will show resistance,” he said in an interview last Thursday.
Diplomatic Appeals Amidst Mounting Pressure
Despite the escalating tensions, Iran remains committed to diplomatic solutions.
Araghchi emphasized the need for mutual respect in negotiations, criticizing the US’s “maximum pressure” policy, which he claimed had only strengthened Iran’s resolve.
With both nations increasing their military readiness and no clear path to de-escalation, the international community remains on edge.
The prospect of further confrontations looms, as analysts warn that a single miscalculation could trigger a devastating regional conflict.