In a stark warning, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared that any involvement by the United States in the current Israeli military actions against Iran would be “very, very dangerous.” This statement was made during a meeting in Istanbul, where the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is convening following a series of escalating conflicts.
The heightened tensions follow a two-week ultimatum issued by U.S. President Donald Trump to Iran, demanding a diplomatic resolution regarding its nuclear program or facing potential American military strikes against its nuclear facilities. In the backdrop of this ultimatum, Israel’s military announced they had conducted strikes on an Iranian nuclear research facility, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of three senior Iranian commanders.
Escalation of military actions
Araghchi emphasized the U.S. role in the ongoing aggression, stating, “The U.S. has been involved in the aggression since day one.” The Israeli airstrikes appear to be part of a larger strategy aimed at crippling Iran’s nuclear capabilities, which has led to a ballistic exchange that has persisted for nine days.
Despite President Trump’s public support for Israel, it remains unclear whether he will opt for military intervention on behalf of the ally. Araghchi reaffirmed Tehran’s willingness to engage in negotiations regarding their nuclear program, suggesting that diplomatic avenues remain open.
Regional implications of the conflict
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Turkey also weighed in on the conflict, labeling Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the “biggest obstacle to regional peace.” Erdoğan stated, “Netanyahu’s Zionist ambitions have no other purpose than to drag our region and … the whole world into a big disaster,” highlighting the broader implications of the ongoing violence.
Reports indicate that the recent Israeli attacks targeted two centrifuge production sites, escalating a series of strikes that have threatened Iran’s nuclear program. The latest assault on Isfahan is noted as the second in a matter of days, illustrating Israel’s commitment to dismantling Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Additionally, the Israel Defense Forces claimed responsibility for the elimination of Saeed Izadi, a commander in Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps, who was said to be responsible for engaging with Palestinian militants. The operation to eliminate Izadi took place in Qom following extensive intelligence-gathering efforts.