Iran’s foreign ministry criticized Israeli threats as “outrageous” after Foreign Minister Gideon Saar warned of a potential military option to address Iran’s nuclear advancements. This escalates ongoing tensions between the two nations, further complicated by U.S. sanctions and stalled negotiations over the nuclear deal. Iranian officials assert their intentions are solely peaceful, refuting claims of pursuing nuclear weapons.
On Thursday, Iran’s foreign ministry condemned the recent threats from Israel as “outrageous.” This statement followed Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar’s comments, who suggested that military action might be necessary to stop Iran’s advancements toward nuclear capability. Saar conveyed that Iran had acquired enough enriched uranium to produce a few nuclear weapons, indicating that time was slipping away to prevent this.
Esmaeil Baqaei, spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry, characterized Saar’s remarks as “outrageous and irrational.” He criticized the Israeli government for perpetuating military threats against Iran while the West simultaneously critiques Iran’s defense measures. Baqaei emphasized the necessity for Iran to enhance its defense capabilities in a region faced with aggression from “an occupying entity,” referring to Israel.
Recently, during a visit from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the U.S. would support Israel in taking decisive action against Iran. The longstanding hostility between Iran and Israel has seen direct confrontations increase, particularly in light of heightened regional tensions from the Gaza conflict.
The U.S. has reinstated a robust sanctions policy against Iran, mirroring the approach of former President Donald Trump during his initial term. This policy includes a unilateral withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear agreement, which the U.S. attributes to Iran’s alleged pursuit of nuclear weapons, a claim Iranian officials have repeatedly denied.
Despite adhering to the deal for a year after the U.S. exit, Iran has since diminished its compliance, leading to stalled negotiations for a revival of the agreement. Reports from the International Atomic Energy Agency indicate that Iran has notably increased its stockpile of enriched uranium. Iran asserts its nuclear ambitions are strictly for peaceful purposes, denying any intent to develop nuclear weaponry.
Former President Trump has called for negotiations with Iran, but Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dismissed this notion, asserting that negotiations with the U.S. would resolve none of Iran’s issues.
In summary, Iran has publicly condemned Israeli threats regarding military action against its nuclear program, labeling such remarks as irrational. High-ranking officials from both nations continue to express hostility amid ongoing disputes over Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Tensions are exacerbated by U.S. sanctions, leading to stalled negotiations over the nuclear accord, with Iran insisting its nuclear aspirations are peaceful.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
