Iran Rejects European Plea Amid Rising Regional Tensions

Iran declined an appeal from three European nations to avoid retaliatory attacks, which they argue would heighten regional tensions. Following the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, the European leaders called for restraint and endorsed mediation efforts to end the Israel-Hamas conflict, while urging the return of hostages and humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Iran has dismissed a request from three European nations to refrain from retaliatory actions, labeling it as an “excessive request.” The European leaders of Britain, France, and Germany had urged Iran and its allies to exercise restraint following the killing of Hamas political head Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last month. Iran has accused Israel of the targeted assassination.

In a joint statement, the European leaders also supported ongoing mediation efforts led by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States to negotiate an end to the Israel-Hamas conflict. The statement called for the return of hostages held by Hamas and the unrestricted delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Mediators have been trying for months to broker a deal wherein Hamas would release hostages in exchange for the release of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel, with an eventual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. The conflict has resulted in nearly 40,000 Palestinian deaths over ten months, as per Gaza's Health Ministry.

(With inputs from agencies.)