Iran Rejects European Plea Against Retaliation, Heightens Tensions

Iran rejected a call by three European countries to refrain from retaliatory attacks, calling it an 'excessive request.' The leaders of Britain, France, and Germany asked Iran not to retaliate for the killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh. European leaders also endorsed efforts to broker an Israel-Hamas peace agreement and called for the return of Hamas-held hostages and humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza.

Iran dismissed a call from three European nations on Tuesday to avoid any retaliatory attacks that could escalate regional tensions. Tehran termed the plea by Britain, France, and Germany as 'excessive.'

The European leaders had urged Iran and its allies to abstain from retaliation for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh last month. Iran blamed Israel for the killing.

Meanwhile, European leaders supported ongoing mediation efforts by Qatar, Egypt, and the US to end the Israel-Hamas conflict. Talks are set to resume Thursday, aimed at negotiating the release of hostages held by Hamas and the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

(With inputs from agencies.)