Iranian Defense Chief Says Missile Strike At Israel A 'Limited Warning'

Defence Ministers Mohammad Reza Ashtiani of Iran, Ruslan Zhaksylykov of Kazakhstan, Dong Jun of China and Baktybek Bekbolotov of Kyrgyzstan pose for a picture a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Astana, Kazakhstan, April 26, 2024.
Defence Ministers Mohammad Reza Ashtiani of Iran, Ruslan Zhaksylykov of Kazakhstan, Dong Jun of China and Baktybek Bekbolotov of Kyrgyzstan pose for a picture a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Astana, Kazakhstan, April 26, 2024.

Iranian Defense Minister Mohammad Reza Ashtiani said Iran's recent missile attack on Israel was a "limited warning" intended to deter further confrontations without escalating the situation further.

Speaking at the Shanghai Defense Ministers' meeting held in Kazakhstan, he claimed that Iran does not seek war.

"I must emphasize that the Islamic Republic of Iran is not seeking war or an escalation of tensions in the region. Nevertheless, any aggression or miscalculation by enemies will be met with an appropriate and regrettable response."

The minister's remarks come in the wake of a significant military engagement on April 13, when Iran launched over 350 missiles and drones at Israel. The projectiles were mostly intercepted by Israeli air defenses and a US-led coalition. The military action was described by Iran as a retaliation to an alleged Israeli airstrike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus. The airstrike reportedly resulted in the deaths of a senior commander of the Quds Force and several officers.

Israel has not officially accepted responsibility for the attack on the consulate. However, US media outlets such as ABC News and CNN, citing US officials, have attributed the targeting a radar site in Iran, on Israel. The province of Esfahan where the strike occurred is notable for its strategic military significance, including the Natanz underground nuclear facility, which has been the subject of suspected sabotage operations attributed to Israel in the past.

Since 1984, the United States has classified Iran as a state sponsor of terrorism. The designation has been largely due to Iran's external activities, which include backing militant groups.