The Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly in Iran, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, stated on Friday evening that his country is not in favor of wars and bloodshed, noting that "those who have fought wars in defense of their homeland are the most in search of peace and stability." Ghalibaf mentioned during a gathering of clerics in Tehran, "Those who fought in defense of the homeland are the most peaceful and in search of stability, and if we can achieve our interests through negotiation, we will negotiate." He considered that "negotiation is a means of struggle, and it should start from the principle of pride and dignity, not through humiliation and retreating from rights and principles."
Ghalibaf's statements come amid an unprecedented escalation in tension between Iran and Israel following the assassination by Tel Aviv of Hamas's political bureau chief Ismail Haniya and his personal companion at his residence in northern Tehran last Wednesday. Senior Iranian officials, including the Supreme Leader of Iran Ali Khamenei, have vowed a decisive and strong response to avenge the blood of martyr Ismail Haniya. Additionally, the United States sent warships to the region two days ago due to fears of a potential attack by Iran and its allies on Israel.
