Iran has declared that it does not intend to expand its conflict with Israel to neighboring countries unless further provoked. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated on Sunday that Tehran’s recent actions were solely in self-defense, responding to what it perceives as foreign aggression. He stressed that if such hostilities cease, Iran would halt its retaliatory measures, signaling a cautious approach to avoid broader regional instability.
Araqchi strongly condemned Israel’s recent strikes on the South Pars gas field, a critical offshore energy project shared with Qatar, labeling them as “a blatant aggression and a very dangerous act.” He warned that dragging the conflict into the Persian Gulf would be a “strategic mistake” aimed at expanding the war beyond Iran’s borders. The remarks highlight Tehran’s concern over escalating tensions in vital maritime zones.
The Iranian foreign minister also accused Israel of deliberately sabotaging ongoing nuclear negotiations between Iran and the U.S. According to Araqchi, the talks were nearing a potential breakthrough before recent hostilities disrupted progress. A sixth round of discussions was scheduled for Sunday, with Tehran prepared to present a new proposal, but the meeting was canceled following the latest escalations.
Araqchi further alleged that Israel’s attack could not have occurred without U.S. approval, dismissing Washington’s claims of non-involvement. He demanded that the U.S. publicly condemn Israel’s strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities to demonstrate genuine goodwill. As tensions rise, the international community watches closely to see whether diplomacy can prevail or if the region is headed toward a deeper crisis.