Following recent US strikes on nuclear sites, Iran has initiated retaliatory actions against Israel. On Sunday, Iran launched a barrage of missiles targeting 10 Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv and Haifa. Though Iran acknowledged the attack on its nuclear facilities, it claims that no significant damage occurred.
Statement from the Iranian President
In a phone conversation with the Egyptian President, Iranian President Masoud Pajeshkian warned of retaliatory actions. He asserted, 'We attempted to resolve issues through dialogue, but Israel encroached upon our territory. We neither initiated the conflict nor desire its continuation, yet any further attacks will be met with decisive responses.' Previously, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also condemned the US strike as a violation of sovereignty.
In response to the US attack, a statement from the Iranian Foreign Ministry condemned the US for violating international laws and the UN Charter, despite being a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. The Foreign Minister stressed the US administration must face the consequences. Iran will resolutely use its right to self-defense to respond.
US to bear consequences
The Iranian Foreign Minister warned global leaders that silence on the US attack would be perilous. He urged international bodies like the United Nations and the International Atomic Energy Agency to take action against the US, emphasizing that Iran's nuclear sites were under international monitoring and security before they were targeted.
Iran has emphasized that any attempt to target Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei will close doors on any negotiation or deal, resulting in a stern response. Recently, Israel planned to target Khamenei, but the US used a veto to halt that move. However, the US revealed knowledge of Khamenei’s whereabouts, implying targeting him is not challenging.
No impact on nuclear program
The Iranian Nuclear Energy Agency has denied any radiation leak risks following the US raid and declared that Iran's nuclear program will proceed uninterrupted. Countries like the US and Israel frequently accuse Iran of aiming to develop nuclear weapons, but Iran asserts its nuclear endeavors are solely for energy needs, not for weaponization. Nevertheless, Iran's ongoing increase in uranium enrichment has consistently raised global scrutiny.
The geopolitical landscape in the Middle East has always been a melting pot of historical conflicts and rivalries. Iran's recent warning underscores the delicate balance of power and the potential ramifications of external interventions.
The roots of the Israel-Iran conflict can be traced back to ideological, political, and historical disputes. Over time, this animosity has manifested in different forms, from proxy wars to economic sanctions, and now, potential military clashes.
This escalation reminds us of the fragile state of global peace and the need for international diplomacy to mitigate tensions. The potential for conflict in the Middle East to spill over into global ramifications cannot be understated.
