Iran Threatens Retaliation Following US Military Strikes
In the wake of recent US military actions, Iran has vowed to determine the timing, nature, and scale of its response, signaling a firm stance against further escalation. The declaration came during an emergency United Nations Security Council meeting in New York, where Iran’s Ambassador to the UN, Amir Saeid Iravani, condemned the strikes as a deliberate blow to diplomacy.
Tehran Blames Washington for Escalating Conflict
Addressing the council, Ambassador Iravani sharply criticized the US, stating, "The United States decided to destroy diplomacy." He underscored that Iran has consistently warned the US against provoking heightened tensions, but these warnings were disregarded.
Accusations Against US and Israel: Provoking a Costly War
The Iranian envoy also implicated Israel’s leadership, alleging that the Israeli Prime Minister exerted pressure on the US President to act against what he described as Western interests. Iravani decried the coordinated nature of the strikes as a "clear and flagrant breach of international law" and characterized the US involvement as dragging the world into "another costly and baseless war."
He remarked that while Iran’s foreign minister was engaged in diplomatic talks with European counterparts, the US unexpectedly launched the attacks — a move seen by Tehran as undermining diplomatic efforts.
Questioning Diplomatic Premises
Ambassador Iravani challenged the Western narrative that Iran must return to negotiations, noting, "How can Iran return to something it never left, let alone." He emphasized that Iran’s nuclear program remains peaceful, contradicting US claims that the strikes were necessary to halt nuclear ambitions.
Context and Implications
- The US defends its strikes as essential to prevent nuclear weapon development.
- Iran insists its program is strictly peaceful and views the attacks as unjustified aggression.
- The incident exacerbates regional tensions and casts doubt on the viability of ongoing diplomatic efforts.
The emergency meeting at the UN Security Council highlights the international community’s concern over the deteriorating situation, with calls for caution as both sides exchange accusations and threats.
