Iranian military signals preference for ceasefire over further escalation in Gaza and Lebanon

Following Israel's strikes on multiple Iranian military targets on Saturday, the Iranian military released a statement advocating for a ceasefire rather than further escalation

“The Islamic Republic of Iran, while reserving its legitimate right to respond at an appropriate time, calls for a lasting ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon to prevent the killing of vulnerable civilians,” the General Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces stated.

Israel’s strike reportedly targeted the regime's radar air defense systems, fuel mixing facilities, and military buildings previously used by Iran for nuclear weapons research.

Iran’s military said that the strikes “targeted certain border radars in Islam, Khuzestan, and near Tehran.”

While condemning the Israeli strikes as constituting “a blatant, internationally illegal act,” the Iranian military downplayed the effectiveness of Israel’s attack.

“Due to the prompt action of Iran’s air defenses, damage was minimal, with some radar systems suffering damage,” the statement read, adding that “repairs are already underway.”

The statement also urged the United States to withdraw its support for the Israeli government.

“The terrorist-supporting U.S. government, which plays a central role in supporting the criminal actions of the Zionist regime to destabilize the region, is warned to restrain this illegal and illegitimate regime to avoid further bloodshed, particularly in Gaza and Lebanon, and prevent itself and its allies from sinking further into the quagmire created by the occupying regime,” the Iranian military statement said.

After Israel’s strikes on Saturday, a senior official in the Biden administration stated that “this should be the end of the direct military exchange between Israel and Iran.”

He also said that the administration “worked with the Israelis over recent weeks to encourage Israel to conduct a response that was targeted and proportional with low risk of civilian harm,” and focused on “reducing the risk of further escalation.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that “the attack on Iran was precise and targeted,” that it “severely” harmed Iran’s “defense capabilities and its ability to produce missiles” and “achieved all its objectives.”

He further warned, “Those who strike us, we will strike.”