TEHRAN, Aug. 13 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Caretaker Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani and Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani discussed Tehran's response to the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, the Iranian foreign ministry said on Tuesday.
In a phone call, Bagheri Kani condemned recent Israeli actions as violations of the sovereignty of Syria, Lebanon, and Iran, asserting Iran's right to retaliate against Israel for Haniyeh's killing. He added that Israel's actions had disrupted efforts to end the violence in Gaza.
Tajani emphasized the importance of implementing a truce initiative proposed by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza as soon as possible. He expressed concern over the rising tensions and urged all parties to exercise restraint, according to the Iranian foreign ministry's statement.
The Middle East has been bracing for escalating tension amidst Iran and its allies' threats to avenge the killings of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders last month.
In April, Iran attacked Israel directly for the first time in history with hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones in retaliation for an attack on the Iranian consulate in Syria earlier in the month, which killed seven Iranians, including two military commanders. Israel reported intercepting the majority of the missiles and drones. ■
