Iran condemned Israeli military threats as “outrageous” after Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar suggested military action might be necessary to impede Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei criticized Israeli officials for threatening military action while accusing Iran of seeking defense enhancement. Rising uranium stockpiles and stalled negotiations on the nuclear deal contribute to escalating tensions between Iran and Israel.
On Thursday, Iran’s foreign ministry characterized Israeli threats as “outrageous” following remarks from Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, who suggested that military action may be necessary to prevent further development of Iran’s nuclear capabilities. During a Politico interview, Mr. Saar indicated that Iran has enriched sufficient uranium to construct a couple of nuclear bombs, emphasizing urgency in addressing the Iranian nuclear program.
Esmaeil Baqaei, spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry, expressed that such statements from Israeli officials are irrational threats amid ongoing Western accusations concerning Iran’s defense capabilities. He underscored that amidst regional instability, particularly in light of Israel’s presence, it is imperative for Iran to strengthen its defense.
Earlier in the month, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, alongside U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, that Israel intends to “finish the job” against Iran, with America’s backing. Tensions have escalated between the two nations, which have a long-standing enmity and engaged in direct hostilities last year amid increased regional tensions following the Gaza war.
In the context of U.S. policy, President Donald Trump has reinstated a stringent sanctions strategy against Iran, which echoes his previous term approach, specifically following the withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear agreement, accusing Iran of seeking nuclear weapons—a claim Tehran contests. Although Iran complied with the agreement for a year post-withdrawal, it subsequently began to reduce its commitments, leading to stalled negotiations for a revival of the agreement.
Reports from the International Atomic Energy Agency indicate that Iran has notably increased its stockpile of highly enriched uranium in recent months. Iranian officials assert that their nuclear program is devoted solely to peaceful applications, firmly denying any ambitions for atomic armament. Meanwhile, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has stated that negotiating with America will not resolve any issues.
In summary, Iran strongly condemned Israeli threats regarding military action, asserting that such claims are irrational amid accusations from the West about its defense capabilities. With rising tensions and an increasing stockpile of enriched uranium, the prospects of reviving the 2015 nuclear deal appear dim, and Iran continues to maintain its position of pursuing a peaceful nuclear program.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
