**US Involvement in Israeli Strikes Could Spark Regional Chaos**
Iran’s deputy minister of foreign affairs, Saeed Khatibzadeh, has warned that if the US were to join Israeli attacks on his country, it would lead to “hell” for the entire region. This stark warning comes at a critical time, with tensions between Iran and Israel escalating rapidly.
**Diplomatic Channels Remain Open**
Khatibzadeh emphasized that diplomacy is still the preferred option in resolving this crisis. However, he stressed that negotiations cannot begin as long as the bombardment continues. The Iranian official also reiterated that their attacks on Israel are a legitimate act of self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter.
**US Involvement: A Recipe for Disaster?**
The Iranian minister took aim at US President Donald Trump’s recent statements, which suggested that the conflict could be avoided if Iran agreed to revive a nuclear agreement. Khatibzadeh accused Trump of “sabotaging” negotiations and creating confusion with his contradictory messages on social media.
**US Diplomatic Efforts Underway**
Despite the tensions, there are indications that diplomatic channels remain open. US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff has been in contact with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi several times since Friday, in an effort to find a peaceful resolution to the crisis. However, Iran’s stance remains clear: negotiations cannot proceed until Israel halts its attacks.
**Nuclear Program: A Point of Contention**
The latest developments have sparked concerns about Iran’s nuclear program. Israel claims that Tehran has taken steps to weaponize its enriched uranium stockpile, which could be used for military purposes. However, Khatibzadeh dismissed these allegations as “nonsense,” insisting that Iran’s nuclear activities are peaceful and for civilian use only.
**IAEA Chief Weighs in**
The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, has urged all parties to refrain from attacking nuclear facilities. He warned that such actions could harm both people and the environment.
**Next Steps: A G7 Summit and Diplomatic Channels**
Khatibzadeh expressed hope that diplomatic efforts would prevail in the coming days. The Iranian minister noted that European countries are pushing for a return to diplomacy on a ministerial basis, with a meeting scheduled in Geneva. The outcome of these talks will be crucial in determining the next steps in resolving this complex and volatile crisis.
**Read More**
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