Iran says it has the right to defend itself after an Israeli attack kills soldiers

Lyse Doucet
Chief international correspondent

The big question now is: “What will Tehran do next?”

In the war of words, some of Iran’s statements suggest a pause. Iranian state media hailed their success in repelling Israel’s attacks, which they said caused only “limited damage.”

The Foreign Ministry said Tehran recognizes its “responsibilities towards regional peace and security.”

Foreign Minister Syed Abbas Araghchi has scored a number of diplomatic victories recently, including stops in Arab capitals that previously kept Tehran nervously at bay.

However, Iranian diplomats are not in charge of the Islamic Republic. Those who do, the Islamic Revolutionary Guards, may want to push for a strong response.

But Israel’s latest attacks may have damaged its air defenses in ways that open up new vulnerabilities.

And retaliation ahead of an unpredictable US election could increase the risk of US involvement in this confrontation – an escalation Tehran wants to avoid.

President Biden said last week that he saw an opportunity to “deal with Israel and Iran in a way that ends the conflict for a while.”

But even if Iran and Israel decide to draw a line under this, it is clear for now that this dangerous new chapter is not over yet.