Iran's Deputy Defense Minister Hojjatollah Qoreishi said his country's response to the assassination of Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh would be surprising and proportionate, adding that Israel should be in a state of psychological anxiety as a result.

The Iranian official added that the assassination of Haniyeh is an unforgivable crime and a violation of Iran's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He stressed that Iran is the one who determines how and when to respond, noting at the same time that his country has no desire for war, but that aggression will be met with a response.

He expressed Iran's readiness to develop defense and military relations with regional countries that have common policies with Tehran.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed a few days ago that his country does not want to expand the circle of war and escalation in the region, but it will not back down from its right to respond to the assassination of Haniyeh.

Tehran also stressed that its decision to attack Israel has nothing to do with a possible ceasefire in Gaza.

For about 3 weeks, Israel has been preparing for an Iranian retaliatory attack in response to the assassination of Haniyeh in Tehran on July 31.

Source: Al Jazeera