Many Iranian officials believe a confrontation with the United States is unavoidable and that negotiations
By Bernie,
Many Iranian officials believe a confrontation with the United States is unavoidable and that negotiations can at most delay an American military attack, the Washington Post reported, citing a European source in contact with Iran's leadership.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed pessimism about the talks in a speech at a march in Tehran marking the 47th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution. He said a "wall of distrust" built by U.S. and European statements and actions "does not allow reaching an agreement."
Ali Shamkhani, secretary of Iran's Defense Council who survived an Israeli assassination attempt during the 12-day war in June, warned that any attack on Iran, even a limited one, would be considered the start of a war. "We will not be bound by any restrictions," he said. Shamkhani warned that escalation could affect "people's lives around the world," referencing Iran's threat to close the Strait of Hormuz, critical for global oil traffic.
Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, said after visiting Oman as part of ongoing talks that the date of the next round of negotiations would be announced soon. "We must continue negotiations with America," he said.
Prime Minister Netanyahu is meeting with President Trump at the White House tonight. Israel has expressed concern that Trump may settle for a narrow agreement limited to nuclear restrictions without addressing Iran's ballistic missiles or support for regional armed groups. Trump said yesterday he prefers a deal "without nuclear or missiles, and the other things," and is considering sending an additional aircraft carrier to the Middle East if talks fail.
Topics: Iran, Strait of Hormuz, Israeli Politics
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