Iran accuses US of hidden role in conflict, warns against joining hostilities

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi addressed the ongoing conflict and diplomatic challenges on the sidelines of the 51st session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in Istanbul.

Aragchi emphasised the necessity of halting aggression for diplomacy to resume, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

“In order for us to return to diplomacy, the aggression must be stopped. Obviously, I cannot go to negotiations with the US when our people are being bombed with American support,” he stated.

He accused the United States of being involved from the start in attacks against Iran: “Unfortunately, we have come to the conclusion that the United States has been involved in this aggression from the very beginning. They deny it and continue to say that they are not involved, but we have plenty of evidence that they have been involved from the very beginning.”

Referring to recent remarks by the American president, Araghchi highlighted the risk of the US officially joining the conflict. “From the American president's interview, it is quite clear that he is talking about US leadership on this issue. Unfortunately, we have heard that America may join the aggression; that would be very regrettable, and I think it would be very dangerous for everyone,” he warned.

On June 20, Araghchi held talks in Geneva with foreign ministers from France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas. These discussions primarily focused on Iran’s nuclear program.

Following the Geneva meeting, Kallas announced that all parties agreed to reconvene to discuss not only the nuclear issue but also broader regional and international matters. Araghchi confirmed Tehran’s willingness to participate in the next round of negotiations. The meeting lasted over two hours.

Since mid-June, Iran and Israel have been engaged in direct military clashes. Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, which it describes as targeting Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities. In response, Iran initiated Operation True Promise 3, striking Israeli military positions.

The conflict has caused numerous casualties on both sides, with no immediate end to the hostilities in sight.

By Tamilla Hasanova