Iran Has Its Red Lines, Says Foreign Minister

Iran has sent a message to Israel through the United Nations, stating that it does not wish for further escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and will be compelled to intervene if a ground operation begins in Gaza, reports the Axios portal citing its sources.

According to the website, Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian met in Beirut with UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland. The source revealed that the UN representative urged the Iranian foreign minister to help prevent the escalation of conflict in the Middle East.

“The Iranian foreign minister responded that Iran does not want the conflict to evolve into a regional war, and aims to assist in the release of civilians held hostage by Hamas in Gaza. However, Amir Abdollahian emphasized that Iran has its red lines. He stated that if Israeli military operations continue, especially if Israel fulfills its promise of a ground assault in Gaza, Iran will be compelled to respond,” the website’s report noted.

Portal sources also indicated that Wennesland contacted Israel's National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi and other senior officials to convey Iran's message.

Furthermore, Tasnim agency reported that Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian held a meeting and discussions on Saturday evening in Qatar with Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of the political bureau of the Palestinian Hamas movement, where they addressed the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the military situation.