Iran hints at possible ground attack on Israel

Iran’s mission to the UN has issued a statement reiterating a pledge to retaliate against Israel over the assassination of Hamas’s political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.

“Iran’s response should have two clear results,” it said, according to the Mehr news agency.

“First, it must punish the aggressor for terror and violation of Iran’s national sovereignty. Second, it should strengthen Iran’s deterrence power and bring the [Israeli] regime deep remorse to prevent any future aggression. Also, Iran’s response should avoid a possible negative impact on a possible [Gaza] ceasefire,” it said.

The statement added that Iran would respond in a time and manner that takes the Israelis by surprise.

“Maybe when their eyes are on the sky and the radar screen, they are surprised from the ground, and maybe a combination of the two,” it said.