Iran's deputy foreign minister, Saeed Khatibzadeh, has issued a stark warning through the BBC, stating that U.S. participation in Israeli military actions would plunge the entire region into "hell." He emphasized that the ongoing conflict is not America's war and predicted that if President Donald Trump chose to engage, he would be remembered as a leader who intruded into a situation that did not require U.S. involvement. Khatibzadeh outlined the potential for American participation to escalate hostilities, prolong aggression, and postpone resolutions to what he termed "brutal atrocities."
US Involvement in Israeli Strikes Would Ignites Regional Chaos, Warns Iran's Deputy Minister
US Involvement in Israeli Strikes Would Ignites Regional Chaos, Warns Iran's Deputy Minister
Iran's deputy foreign minister cautions that U.S. intervention in Israel's conflict could lead to widespread turmoil across the Middle East.
His comments surfaced following an Iranian missile strike that hit the Soroka hospital in southern Israel, with reports indicating it aimed for a military site nearby, not the hospital. While Israeli health officials confirmed 71 injuries from the attack, the military reported operations targeting Iranian nuclear facilities, including the inactive Arak reactor and Natanz site. Tehran has not disclosed the impact of Israeli attacks on its own territories.
Amid rapidly mounting tensions, the White House signaled that Trump would decide on direct U.S. involvement in the conflict within two weeks. Khatibzadeh reiterated that diplomacy remains Iran's preferred approach, but emphasized that ongoing bombardments make negotiations impossible. He justified Iran's actions as "self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter," framing the conflict as unprovoked and unnecessary.
In response to assertions from Trump that the current crisis might have been averted had Iran accepted a nuclear deal, Khatibzadeh noted that negotiations were indeed in progress until Israel's military escalations disrupted discussions. He criticized Trump's mixed messages and alleged U.S. complicity in the conflict.
Simultaneously, U.S. and Iranian officials have reportedly been communicating in efforts to restore diplomatic ties, yet Khatibzadeh indicated that Tehran's return to negotiations hinges on Israel ceasing its attacks. As the stakes rise, reports suggest Iran's enriched uranium stockpile might be approaching weapons-grade capabilities, a claim Khatibzadeh dismissed as unfounded.
In the wake of these developments, International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi underscored the imperative to protect nuclear sites from attack, warning of potential humanitarian and environmental repercussions.
Looking ahead, Khatibzadeh expressed cautious optimism about the possibility of renewed diplomacy, particularly with upcoming ministerial discussions proposed by European nations. He voiced readiness for talks to address pressing issues in the region.
As this volatile situation continues to evolve, the international community watches closely, anticipating the decisions that will shape the future of U.S.-Iran relations and the broader Middle Eastern landscape.
Amid rapidly mounting tensions, the White House signaled that Trump would decide on direct U.S. involvement in the conflict within two weeks. Khatibzadeh reiterated that diplomacy remains Iran's preferred approach, but emphasized that ongoing bombardments make negotiations impossible. He justified Iran's actions as "self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter," framing the conflict as unprovoked and unnecessary.
In response to assertions from Trump that the current crisis might have been averted had Iran accepted a nuclear deal, Khatibzadeh noted that negotiations were indeed in progress until Israel's military escalations disrupted discussions. He criticized Trump's mixed messages and alleged U.S. complicity in the conflict.
Simultaneously, U.S. and Iranian officials have reportedly been communicating in efforts to restore diplomatic ties, yet Khatibzadeh indicated that Tehran's return to negotiations hinges on Israel ceasing its attacks. As the stakes rise, reports suggest Iran's enriched uranium stockpile might be approaching weapons-grade capabilities, a claim Khatibzadeh dismissed as unfounded.
In the wake of these developments, International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi underscored the imperative to protect nuclear sites from attack, warning of potential humanitarian and environmental repercussions.
Looking ahead, Khatibzadeh expressed cautious optimism about the possibility of renewed diplomacy, particularly with upcoming ministerial discussions proposed by European nations. He voiced readiness for talks to address pressing issues in the region.
As this volatile situation continues to evolve, the international community watches closely, anticipating the decisions that will shape the future of U.S.-Iran relations and the broader Middle Eastern landscape.
