Denial of the Ceasefire Promise by the West

In Tehran, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed displeasure over broken promises from U.S. and European leaders regarding a ceasefire in Gaza.

According to Pezeshkian, these leaders promised a ceasefire if Iran did not respond to the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, head of the Hamas political bureau. However, they did not keep their word. This statement was made during the meeting of the Council of Ministers held on Sunday evening.

Referring to Western support for Israel, Pezeshkian said: “The crimes of the Zionist regime are unacceptable and will not go unanswered.” He added that Western leaders’ statements were “completely false” and that “giving these criminals a chance” would only embolden them further.

These statements sparked a wave of controversy in Iran. A group of people gathered in front of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council building, demanding an official response.

Iran initially decided to retaliate after Haniyeh’s assassination in Tehran on July 31. It had previously been suggested that Tehran could abandon its intentions in exchange for a cessation of Israeli attacks in Gaza.

However, the Iranian administration has clarified that punishing Israel for its aggression and ceasefire efforts in Gaza are separate issues, and hopes not to harm the ongoing ceasefire process.