Iran says US directly responsible for escalation of tensions in region
Tehran, IRNA – Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei says the United States bears direct responsibility for any escalation of tensions and the resulting consequences in the West Asia region.
Baqaei made the remarks on Monday during his weekly press briefing in Tehran, as a new wave of strikes and counterstrikes between Iran and Israel continues.
On Sunday evening, Iran launched strikes against military targets in Israel in response to the regime’s repeated violations of a ceasefire that took effect on April 8 and also covered Lebanon. Iran said the operation came in response to Israel’s continued attacks on Lebanon, as well as Washington’s violations of the ceasefire through strikes on targets in southern Iran in recent weeks.
“The responsibility of the United States, as a party to the April 8 ceasefire understanding, is undeniable. Whatever happens in our region — whether the US itself violates the ceasefire through attacks on Iranian commercial ships and assaults on the country’s southern regions, or whether such actions are carried out by the Zionist regime in Lebanon, or through collusion with the US in our own region — the direct responsibility of the United States is clear, and the consequences of any escalation will also rest with the United States,” Baqaei said.
He also lashed out at the US for its contradictory statements regarding talks with Iran aimed at permanently ending the war, which began in early April.
“What has happened over the past 24 hours will only further aggravate the already troubled state of the diplomatic process,” said Baqaei, adding that Israeli actions cannot be separated from US policies.
Iran is ready for any situation
The spokesperson also said that the exchange of messages had not ceased prior to the latest escalation, emphasizing that Iran will continue to act as long as it deems such measures necessary.
“We will certainly act wherever necessary, wherever our national interests require it, and wherever our security and national security deem it necessary,” he said, stressing that Iran cannot allow the United States or Israel to repeat their acts of aggression or expand their scope.
“Our Armed Forces, the diplomatic apparatus, and all institutions of the Iranian nation and the Islamic Republic are prepared to confront any situation in order to safeguard the country’s security and national interests.”
Claims about confiscating Iran’s assets ‘absurd’
Responding to reports about alleged US efforts to seize part of Iran’s frozen assets and tie their release to the final stages of the negotiations, the spokesperson said the claims were part of a media and pressure campaign pursued by the opposing side, adding that much of it originates from Israel.
Baqaei described the claims as “absurd,” saying Iran holds regional parties involved in the US-Israeli aggression against the country responsible and will pursue its claims through all available means.
He also stressed that the issue of Iran’s frozen assets remains an integral part of any potential agreement currently under negotiation, and that Tehran will show no leniency on the matter.
Iran’s stance on US-pushed IAEA resolution
Further in his presser, the spokesperson said Tehran is prepared for any outcome if the United States pushes for an anti-Iran resolution at the ongoing quarterly meeting of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
He criticized IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi for maintaining what he called a “highly inappropriate and unconstructive” approach toward Iran’s nuclear program.
The spokesperson said Grossi is ignoring the root causes of the current situation –namely US and Israeli attacks on Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities – while focusing only on the consequences. He also criticized the IAEA for failing to condemn those attacks, saying the agency’s double standards reinforce perceptions that it is acting in a political and biased manner rather than a technical one.
