Iran has sent a message to Israel through European channels about its possible response to any attack that comes from Israel, diplomatic sources said Friday.
The sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that the Iranian message sent indirectly to Israel says that Iran would “shrug off a limited Israeli strike.”
Yet Tehran warned that “it would have no choice but to cross the red line” if its oil or nuclear facilities come under attack.
The Middle East remains on high alert for further escalation, awaiting Israel's response to an Iranian missile barrage on Oct. 1. Indications that the response is near rose this week after reports said Tel Aviv was able to reduce its differences with the US administration.
Israeli reports say the response would come during Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant’s visit to the US on Tuesday.
The Iranian message was sent as Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian visited Turkmenistan for an international meeting.
“Iran does not want war,” he said, but warned that Tehran “would respond if it came under attack.”
He also urged Israel to end its military campaigns in Gaza and Lebanon.