Israel’s U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon emphasized that his country is maintaining heightened awareness for any signs of Iranian aggression during the U.S. presidential transition period. Speaking about the situation, Danon stated it would be a “mistake” for Iran to take any provocative action.
The statement follows remarks from Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi earlier this week, where he vowed retaliation against Israel for the airstrikes conducted on October 26. Araghchi declared, “We have not given up our right to react, and we will react in our time and in the way we see fit.”
Danon, in response, issued a stern warning: “I would advise him not to challenge us. We have already shown our capabilities. We have proved that they are vulnerable. We can actually target any location in Iran. They know that.”
Danon further asserted, “We are keeping our eyes open and we are ready for all scenarios.”
Addressing U.S. Leadership on Iran
Danon also highlighted the pivotal role the incoming Trump administration must play in confronting the Iranian threat. “Regarding the new administration, I think the most important challenge will be the way you challenge Iran, the aggression, the threat of the Iranian regime. I believe that the U.S. will have to go back to a leading position on this issue,” he said.
He emphasized the shared stakes between the U.S. and Israel, remarking, “We are fighting the same enemies, the enemies of the United States of America. When you look at the Iranians, the Houthis, Hezbollah, Hamas, all those bad actors that are coming against Israel… that is the enemy of the United States. So I think every American should support us and understand what we are doing now.”
U.S. Vetoes Controversial U.N. Resolution
The U.S. recently exercised its veto power to block a resolution at the U.N. Security Council that sought an immediate cease-fire on Israel without addressing the release of hostages held by Hamas. The draft, spearheaded by Algeria, faced backlash for its failure to include provisions for the 101 hostages still in Gaza.
Danon condemned the resolution, calling it “shameful.” He expressed gratitude to the U.S. for taking a decisive stance, stating, “It was a shameful resolution because… it didn’t have the linkage between the cease-fire and the call [for] the release of the hostages. And I want to thank the United States for taking a strong position and vetoing this resolution.”
He added, “I think it sent a very clear message that the U.S. stands with its strongest ally with Israel. And, you know, it was shameful, too, to hear the voices of so many ambassadors speaking about a cease-fire but abandoning the 101 hostages. We will not forget them. We will never abandon them. We will continue to fight until we bring all of them back home.”
