Iran Questions Trust in US Amid Israeli Strikes
Iran’s foreign minister expressed on Friday that Tehran is uncertain about trusting the United States following a series of Israeli airstrikes aimed at Iran’s military and nuclear sites.
These strikes occurred shortly before a planned nuclear discussion that was set to be mediated by Oman. While U.S. officials have maintained that they weren’t involved in the operations, former President Trump indicated that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had given him prior notice about the attacks.
In a statement, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi suggested that the U.S. might not genuinely seek diplomacy, perceiving their consultations as merely a façade for future military actions.
“They likely had this plan prepared, needing to negotiate just to mask their intentions,” Aragchi remarked. “I’m not sure we can trust them anymore. What occurred was essentially a betrayal of diplomatic efforts.”
He further added, “As long as these attacks persist, we’re not ready to negotiate.”
The State Department did not respond immediately to requests for comment.
Aragchi’s remarks highlight yet another decline in the potential for diplomacy between the U.S. and Iran, particularly as the strikes threaten vital nuclear facilities that remain intact following the Israeli attacks.
Trump has repeatedly expressed a desire for a diplomatic resolution and an aversion to entangling the U.S. in another Middle Eastern conflict. Nonetheless, reports suggested he approved a private airstrike plan but withheld the final order.
Currently, Trump is attempting to position himself for negotiations, claiming he’ll make a decision in the next couple of weeks.
Nuclear discussions involving Iranian, German, French, and British diplomats are underway in Geneva, although no significant progress has been reported from the first day of talks.
After the talks concluded on Friday, Aragchi stated that Israel must cease its attacks for negotiations to resume, emphasizing that Iran is not willing to abandon uranium enrichment entirely.
“This is the outcome of our scientists’ efforts. It’s a matter of national pride,” he asserted.
