Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi responded to comments by Defense Minister Israel Katz, calling Israel a "pet" that needs to be "muzzled."
In a post on social media platform X, Araqchi wrote: "The terms of the Islamabad MoU are crystal clear and public for all to see. POTUS has committed the US to muzzling its pets in Tel Aviv. If they ignore their master, Iran will school them. Any threat against our People and Leadership will receive Immediate Powerful Response."
Defense Minister Israel Katz said Monday in a briefing with Israeli military correspondents that the IDF was "preparing to act independently in Iran. The IDF is just waiting for it," adding that "any fire on an Israeli community will be answered with a devastating strike in Dahiyeh."
"People should not hold their breath waiting to see where Israel will withdraw from next in Lebanon, because that will not happen until Hezbollah disarms," he said. "We have no territorial aspirations in Lebanon, but until Hezbollah is disarmed, we will not withdraw even a millimeter."
Katz also said, "On Friday, I met at the Kirya with the commander of US Central Command, Adm. Brad Cooper," adding that he had agreed with Cooper that the IDF would not withdraw from the three security zones in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza.
"The soldiers of the Lebanese Armed Forces will not suddenly turn into lions and charge at Hezbollah," Katz said. "The IDF's presence in Lebanon will be long term."
