Tensions between Iran and Israel have escalated again after two months of relative calm, with Iran accusing the United States of being involved in Israel's renewed attacks.
On June 8, during a regular briefing, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei stated, "No one believes that the Zionist regime (Israel) acts without prior coordination and cooperation with the U.S. in our region. We still have information that the U.S. is coordinating with this regime in both offensive and defensive areas."
He added, "While it is always debatable whether the Zionist regime listens to the U.S., the responsibility of the U.S. as a party to the ceasefire is clear. Regardless of whether the U.S. directly violates the ceasefire or does so through the Zionist regime in Lebanon, the U.S. bears responsibility, and it must account for the escalation of tensions."
The current conflict began when Israel launched airstrikes on Beirut, Lebanon, on June 7, despite opposition from U.S. President Donald Trump. In retaliation, Iran fired missiles at Israel on the night of June 7 and the morning of June 8, prompting Israel to respond with airstrikes on major cities in Iran, including Tehran. Iran has demanded that the U.S. cease hostile actions against Lebanon as a condition for a ceasefire.
Baghaei warned that these attacks could negatively impact negotiations between the U.S. and Iran. He stated, "Such incidents undoubtedly raise suspicions. We are still exchanging messages with the U.S. amid severe distrust." He further emphasized that Israel's actions in the region cannot be separated from U.S. policy, criticizing the contradictory attitudes and confusing statements from the U.S. as complicating diplomatic processes. He added, "The actions of the past 24 hours will only exacerbate this confusion."
Baghaei also hinted at the possibility of further Iranian responses, stating, "We will act wherever necessary, as required by our national interests and security. We will not allow Israel and the U.S. to rely solely on general statements for maintaining a ceasefire while repeatedly attacking. "
He acknowledged that the military conflict would inevitably affect diplomatic processes, saying, "The diplomatic efforts initiated to end the forced war will naturally be impacted. If the reason for negotiations is undermined, that process will also be affected."
However, he clarified that diplomatic channels have not been completely severed. Baghaei noted, "Message exchanges are ongoing," and mentioned that the visit of Pakistan's Interior Minister to Tehran was part of efforts to continue dialogue.
He characterized Iran's response the previous night as "entirely defensive actions under the U.N. Charter." In response to the U.S. claim of being unaware of the Lebanese attack, he suggested, "This implies that Israel is deceiving the U.S., or that there is cooperation and division of roles between the U.S. and Israel. Based on experience, the latter is more accurate."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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