Iran ‘fully prepared' for new war with Israel, refuses to give up nuclear programme
Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian is not optimistic about the ceasefire between the countries.
Many Iranians remain uneasy with the ceasefire that ended Iran's 12-day war with Israel.
Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has said his country is prepared for any war Israel might wage against it, adding he was not optimistic about the ceasefire between the countries, while confirming Tehran is committed to continuing its nuclear programme for peaceful purposes.
Pezeshkian made the comments in an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera aired on Wednesday, which was the Iranian leader's first televised interview since the end of the 12-day conflict with Israel in June, in which the US intervened on Israel's behalf, launching strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities.
The comments come as Western nations say they are seeking a solution to Iran's ongoing nuclear ambitions in the wake of the conflict, amid reports that strikes on its nuclear facilities were less damaging than claimed by Washington.
'We are fully prepared for any new Israeli military move, and our armed forces are ready to strike deep inside Israel again,' Pezeshkian told Al Jazeera.
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According to AFP, many Iranians remain uneasy with the ceasefire that ended Iran's 12-day war with Israel, struggling with uncertainty as fears of another confrontation linger.
'I don't think this ceasefire will last,' said Peyman, a 57-year-old resident of Shiraz in Iran's south, one of numerous cities hit in June as Israel unleashed an unprecedented bombing campaign against its staunch rival.
The Israeli offensive targeted key nuclear facilities and military sites, killing top commanders and nuclear scientists and hundreds of other people, while also wreaking havoc in some residential areas.
The attacks triggered the fiercest fighting in history between the longtime foes, ending with a ceasefire announced on 24 June.
Reuters reported that Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Tuesday there was a possibility of a renewed campaign against Iran, according to a statement from his office.
His statements came during a multi-scene situation assessment with several top Israeli military officials, including the chief of staff.
He stressed the necessity of formulating an effective enforcement plan for the future to ensure that Iran does not restore its nuclear programme.
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