Iran's acting Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri mocked and warned Israel, condemning its killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on July 31 as a costly "strategic mistake." Bagheri asserted that this error will have severe repercussions for Israel. He further claimed that Israel lacks the "capacity and strength" to initiate a war with Iran. Additionally, the Iranian minister addressed the U.S. criticism regarding escalating tensions, reinforcing Iran's stance amid the ongoing friction.