Iran warns US of full responsibility in case of Israeli retaliation
Smoke rises from areas targeted by an Israeli airstrike in Beirut's southern suburbs late on October 21, 2024. (AFP Photo)
Iran issued a stark warning to the United States on Monday, holding it fully accountable if Israel launches a retaliatory strike on Iran, following remarks made by U.S. President Joe Biden that suggested awareness of such plans.
Amir Saeid Iravani, Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, described Biden’s comments as “profoundly alarming and provocative” in a formal letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the Swiss presidency of the UN Security Council. Iravani expressed concern that the U.S. was backing Israeli military actions, stating that any escalation by Israel would be a direct result of U.S. involvement.
The tensions arose after Biden confirmed he had knowledge of Israel’s intended response to a missile barrage from Iran on October 1. When asked by a reporter on Friday if he had “a good understanding right now” of Israel’s potential actions, Biden responded, “yes and yes.” This exchange heightened concerns in Tehran about U.S. support for Israel’s military strategy.
Iran had launched approximately 200 ballistic missiles at Israel earlier this month, in response to the killing of leaders aligned with Hamas and Hezbollah, as well as an Iranian Revolutionary Guard general. The missile attack escalated the already volatile situation in the region, where Israel is engaged in active conflicts with Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has since vowed retaliation for the missile strikes.
“This inflammatory statement (of Biden) is deeply concerning, as it indicates the United States’ tacit approval and explicit support for Israel’s unlawful military aggression against Iran,” Iravani stated in his letter. He emphasized that the U.S. would bear “full responsibility” for any Israeli military action against Iran, citing violations of international law and the UN Charter.
According to reports from The Washington Post, Netanyahu assured Biden that Israel’s military actions would focus on Iran’s military installations, steering clear of nuclear or oil infrastructure.
