Iran on Monday accused the United States of bearing responsibility for the latest flare-up between Israel and Iran, saying the renewed attacks have further complicated already fragile diplomatic contacts between Tehran and Washington.
Speaking in Tehran, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said overnight exchanges of fire between Iran and Israel had deepened an atmosphere of mistrust surrounding indirect communications with the United States.
According to Baghaei, the latest violence risks pushing an already difficult diplomatic process into even greater uncertainty.
“The United States bears direct responsibility for any action the Zionist regime takes in relation to violating regional peace and security against Iran,” he said.
The spokesman argued that Israeli military actions in Lebanon, whether carried out with Washington’s approval or not, were intended to undermine diplomatic efforts. He maintained that the United States, as a party to the April 8 ceasefire arrangement, should be held accountable for any breaches of that agreement.
Baghaei also warned that continued hostilities could drag the region into a broader conflict, raising concerns about stability across the Middle East.
He revealed that Iran remains engaged in indirect communications with Washington and said a visit to Tehran by Pakistan’s interior minister on Sunday formed part of efforts to keep those channels open despite growing tensions.
On another front, Baghaei signaled that Tehran would respond if a resolution targeting Iran is adopted during this week’s meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency Board of Governors.
He criticized IAEA chief Rafael Grossi, accusing him of failing to reflect the realities of the conflict and taking positions that Iran believes have damaged the agency’s credibility.
The remarks come as fighting between Israel and Iran continues despite diplomatic efforts to contain the conflict, with both sides trading accusations over attacks across the region and prospects for a broader settlement appearing increasingly uncertain.
