The Islamic Republic has pledged to honor any ceasefire in Gaza and a hostage agreement accepted by Hamas, but still intends to punish Israel, the Iranian mission to the UN stated on Friday.

“Our priority is to establish a lasting ceasefire in Gaza,” the Iranian mission to the UN said in a statement.

“Any agreement accepted by Hamas will also be recognized by us,” the statement added.

The announcement came as the Middle East remains on high alert for retaliation from Iran and its proxy group Hezbollah following the assassinations last week of Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.

Israel has taken responsibility for the assassination of the Hezbollah commander but not for that of the Hamas leader.

“The Israeli regime violated our national security and sovereignty through its recent terrorist act,” the Iranian mission said, referring to Haniyeh’s assassination.

“We have the legitimate right to self-defense—a matter entirely unrelated to the ceasefire in Gaza,” the statement continued. “However, we hope our response will be timely and conducted in a way that does not undermine the potential ceasefire,” it added.

The Iranian mission to the United Nations made this statement just one day after the United States, Qatar, and Egypt called on Israel and Hamas to engage in talks on Thursday, August 15, to finalize a three-phase hostage and ceasefire agreement first revealed by U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House on May 31.