Iran Claims Israel's Strikes Aim to Disrupt Nuclear Negotiations
In a sharply worded response to escalating tensions, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused Israel of deliberately attempting to derail ongoing nuclear talks with the United States. Speaking amidst a surge of missile exchanges that have cost lives on both sides, Araghchi insisted Iran’s military actions against Israel were defensive and would cease if Israel stops its offensive operations.
Deadly Exchange and Rising Tensions
Overnight strikes launched by Iran targeted Israeli territories, resulting in the deaths of at least ten people, including children, and injuring about 200 others. Israeli emergency services confirmed these casualties as the violence further intensified in the region.
Meanwhile, Israel maintains that its campaign’s primary goal is to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and neutralizing its ballistic missile capabilities, citing national security concerns.
Iran Warns Against Broadening the Conflict
Araghchi condemned recent Israeli attacks on the offshore South Pars gas field shared by Iran and Qatar, labeling them as "blatant aggression" and an effort to "expand the war beyond Iranian borders." He warned that attempting to drag the conflict into the Persian Gulf region is a strategic misstep with dangerous consequences.
Accusations of Crossing New Red Lines
Tehran also condemned Israel for allegedly targeting Iranian nuclear facilities, calling it a violation of international law. Araghchi emphasized that Israel has crossed "a new red line" by attacking sensitive nuclear sites, heightening regional tensions.
Impact on Nuclear Negotiations
Originally scheduled to resume, the sixth round of nuclear talks between Tehran and the United States was postponed due to recent violence. Iran had planned to table a new proposal aimed at advancing the dialogue but now alleges Israel is actively trying to sabotage the diplomatic process.
"It is clear that the Israeli regime does not want any agreement on the nuclear issue," Araghchi said, accusing Israel of undermining diplomacy through its military actions. He described Friday’s Israeli strikes as an "attempt to derail negotiations" just as progress appeared possible.
Claims of US Involvement
Adding fuel to the fire, Araghchi claimed Iran possesses solid evidence that US forces provided support for Israel’s recent attacks, suggesting Washington gave a “green light” to Tel Aviv’s military campaign. He dismissed US denials of involvement, calling for greater transparency.
Calls for International Accountability
Iran’s foreign minister also criticized the United Nations Security Council’s silence and alleged indifference regarding Israeli attacks on Iran. He condemned Western nations for what he described as a double standard, saying they "condemned Iran instead of Israel, despite Israel being the aggressor.”
Araghchi urged the United States to condemn Israeli strikes against Iranian nuclear sites to prove genuine diplomatic intent and restore faith in the negotiation process.
The confrontation between Iran and Israel shows no signs of immediate de-escalation, while efforts to salvage nuclear diplomacy face mounting obstacles amid rising hostilities.
