Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned that any future Israeli attacks on Iran could lead to a large-scale war, amid rising tensions and concerns about Israel’s potential military response to Iranian support for Yemen’s Houthi rebels. In an interview with Chinese state-run media, Araghchi emphasized Iran’s preparedness for such attacks but reiterated that Tehran preferred a diplomatic approach and believed that reason would ultimately prevail. The remarks come after a series of Israeli strikes on Iranian military facilities in response to missile and drone attacks, including a significant strike on October 26, 2024, after the Houthis launched over 200 missiles at Israel.
Araghchi’s comments were part of a broader conversation about Iran’s nuclear program and relations with China. China, which is Iran’s largest trading partner, has supported Tehran’s stance against sanctions and in favor of the 2015 nuclear deal, which unraveled after the U.S. withdrew in 2018. While Iran has significantly ramped up atomic enrichment, the Biden administration’s attempts to revive the agreement have faltered, with some in Iran calling for reconsidering the policy of not pursuing nuclear arms.
The article also highlights the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Houthis, with Israeli missile defense systems intercepting several attacks from Yemen, and increasing pressure for Israel to strike Iran directly. Some Israeli officials, including Mossad chief David Barnea, have suggested that targeting Iran could be more effective in stopping the Houthi attacks.
