Iran warns Israel: reckless action could ignite full-scale war

In late December 2024, during a diplomatic visit to China, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi issued a stark warning regarding increasing tensions between Iran and Israel. He conveyed that the Iranian government is fully prepared for potential further attacks by Israel, with concerns that such actions could ignite a large-scale conflict in the region. This statement followed a series of aggressive encounters sparked by the assassination of an Iranian commander earlier that year, which included significant retaliatory actions taken by Iran against Israel, notably in April and October 2024. The relationship between the two nations had reached unprecedented strain during 2024, marked by escalating military confrontations and stark public rhetoric. Meanwhile, Chinese officials, including Foreign Minister Wang Yi, voiced support for Iran, opposing international sanctions and highlighting the importance of China as a critical trading partner for Iran, especially amidst the ongoing geopolitical tensions. With 91% of Iran’s sanctioned crude oil exports going to China in 2024, the economic alliance exemplifies a deepening partnership, emphasizing Iran's reliance on China during its confrontations with Western powers and regional adversaries. Despite the alarming military exchanges, both parties expressed a desire for restraint, illustrating the complex nature of their ongoing disputes and signaling a need for diplomatic avenues to prevent escalations into broader conflicts.