Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Saeed Khatibzadeh, warned the BBC that US involvement in the escalating Israeli-Iranian conflict would trigger widespread regional devastation. He emphasized that this is not a war for the US, and President Trump’s potential intervention would be remembered as a grave miscalculation.
Khatibzadeh predicted that US participation would prolong the conflict, hindering resolution and exacerbating the violence. His comments followed an Iranian missile attack on Soroka hospital in southern Israel, an incident resulting in 71 injuries according to the Israeli Ministry of Health. Iranian state media claimed the target was a nearby military facility.
Simultaneously, Israel reported targeting Iranian nuclear sites, including the Arak heavy water reactor and Natanz facility. While Israel publicized its actions, Tehran has yet to release casualty figures from the Israeli strikes.
The White House announced Thursday that President Trump would determine US direct involvement within two weeks. Khatibzadeh, while stating diplomacy remains the preferred option, emphasized that ongoing bombardment precludes negotiations.
He repeatedly justified Iran’s actions as self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter, asserting that Israel’s June 13th attacks on Iranian nuclear sites, killing several top officials, disrupted ongoing diplomatic efforts. He characterized the conflict as unprovoked and unnecessary.
Dismissing Trump’s assertion that the conflict could have been avoided with Iranian acceptance of a nuclear deal, Khatibzadeh countered that negotiations were underway until Israel’s attacks sabotaged the process. He claimed Iran was on the verge of a nuclear agreement before the attacks.
He criticized Trump’s inconsistent public statements, suggesting US awareness and potential participation in the conflict. Reuters reported that US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi have held several phone calls since Friday, aiming for a diplomatic solution. Diplomatic sources, however, indicate Tehran’s unwillingness to return to negotiations unless Israel halts its attacks.
Israel alleges Iran is weaponizing its enriched uranium stockpile, a claim Iran vehemently denies. The IAEA reported Iran’s accumulation of uranium enriched to 60%, a level close to weapons-grade. Khatibzadeh dismissed this as speculation, reiterating Iran’s commitment to peaceful nuclear energy.
IAEA chief Rafael Grossi underscored the imperative of protecting nuclear facilities from attack. Khatibzadeh also noted positive signals from European nations for renewed ministerial-level diplomacy, with a planned meeting in Geneva.
The potential for US involvement raises significant concerns for Britain, prompting questions about its potential role in the crisis.
Israel’s military stated its actions at the Arak reactor aimed to prevent its use for nuclear weapons development.
Trump’s press secretary expressed optimism about the possibility of negotiations with Iran.
The attack on the Beersheba hospital, amidst a barrage of Iranian missiles, has been condemned by Israel as criminal, while Iran maintains the hospital was not the intended target.