Iran Rejects Call To Refrain From Retaliatory Attacks

Iran has rejected a call by three European countries demanding it to refrain from any retaliatory attacks that would further escalate regional tensions. French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer issued a joint statement Monday endorsing the latest push by mediators to broker an agreement to end the Israel-Hamas war. The European leaders called for the return of scores of hostages held by Hamas and the “unfettered” delivery of humanitarian aid. They also asked that Iran and its allies to refrain from retaliation that would further escalate regional tensions after the late-July killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.