Mon Nov 04 08:45:51 UTC 2024: ## Iran’s Response to Israeli Strikes May Depend on Ceasefire, Says President

**Tehran, Iran** – Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has indicated that the intensity of Tehran’s response to recent Israeli airstrikes on Iranian military sites could be affected by a potential ceasefire between Israel and its allies. In a statement released Sunday, Pezeshkian said, “If they [the Israelis] reconsider their behavior, accept a cease-fire and stop massacring the oppressed and innocent people of the region, it could affect the intensity and type of our response.”

This statement comes after Israel launched airstrikes on Iranian military sites on October 26th, claiming they were in retaliation for a missile barrage by Iran on October 1st. Iran had described that attack as a reprisal for the killing of Iran-backed militant leaders and a Revolutionary Guards commander.

Since the strikes last month, Israel has warned Iran against retaliating, while Tehran vowed to respond. On Saturday, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has the final say in all matters of state, reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to retaliation, stating, “The enemies, both the USA and the Zionist regime, should know that they will definitely receive a tooth-breaking response to what they are doing against Iran, the Iranian nation, and the resistance front.” He referred to the alliance of Tehran-backed armed groups that includes Yemen’s Houthi rebels, Lebanon’s Hezbollah movement, and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas.

Following the strikes, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said they targeted Iran’s defense capabilities and missile production. Iran’s armed forces claimed the attack killed four military personnel and caused limited damage to a few radar systems. Iranian media also reported the death of a civilian.

President Pezeshkian’s statement suggests a possibility of de-escalation if Israel agrees to a ceasefire. However, Iran has repeatedly stressed its commitment to responding to Israeli aggression, making the situation remain volatile.

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