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Iran on Monday denied its ceasefire agreement with Israel that ended the 12-day war in June and asserted that fresh warfare could start soon.
Yahya Rahim Safavi, senior military adviser to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, told Iranian state media Monday that there is no ceasefire between Iran and Israel, and stressed the importance of military readiness.
“We must be prepared for the worst-case scenario. There is no protocol between us and Israel and the U.S. There is no ceasefire,” Mr. Safavi said. “A new war with Israel could break out at any moment. We must be strong and prepared.”
Mr. Safavi’s comments come as Iran picks up the pieces after a devastating 12-day war with Israel in June. Israel’s targeted attacks severely damaged Iran’s military infrastructure and killed numerous top military officials and nuclear scientists.
The attacks also targeted Iran’s uranium enrichment infrastructure. The U.S. eventually coordinated with Israel and dropped several “bunker buster” bombs on Iran’s heavily fortified enrichment facilities.
Tehran conducted a telegraphed airstrike on a U.S. military base in Qatar on June 23, and Iran and Israel announced a ceasefire agreement the following day.
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Mr. Safavi’s stance illustrates Iran’s desire to project strength to its regional and international rivals despite its weakened position.
The end of the June war has allowed Iran, Israel and the U.S. to declare some kind of victory. Iran has used the ceasefire to regroup, replace killed military staff and rebuild its nuclear infrastructure beyond the supervision of international inspectors.
Israel has similarly projected strength and victory following the war. Responding to Mr. Safavi’s comments, Israeli Chief of the General Staff Eyal Zamir said Israel was prepared to attack when the time comes. Gen. Zamir added that the war against Iran was “preemptive” and aimed at taking out a threat before it could do serious damage.
While Iran rebuilds, its foreign ministers have tried to balance Iran’s aggressive posturing with serious calls for a lasting peace. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has doubted the prospect of further war with Israel but said maintaining combat readiness is the best way to prevent future conflict.
