US joining Israeli strikes would cause hell, Iranian minister tells

By Admin

20 Jun, 2025

As tensions in the Middle East escalate, Iran has issued a stern warning to the United States: joining Israeli military strikes would ignite “hell for the whole region.” In a hard-hitting interview with the BBC, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh cautioned that any American involvement would mark a disastrous turn in the already volatile conflict.

“Not America’s War”

Khatibzadeh was unequivocal in his message this conflict is not America’s to fight. “If President Donald Trump does get involved,” he said, “he will be remembered as a president who entered a war he doesn’t belong in.” The Iranian official described U.S. involvement as a catalyst for prolonging aggression and intensifying civilian suffering, turning the crisis into a “quagmire” with no clear exit.

Mounting Violence on Both Sides

These statements follow a surge in violence. Iran recently launched a missile strike near Soroka hospital in southern Israel, which injured 71 people. While Iranian state media claimed the target was a military facility beside the hospital, the damage was substantial. In retaliation, Israel attacked Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, including the “inactive” Arak heavy water reactor and the Natanz site. Casualty details on the Iranian side remain undisclosed.

Diplomacy Blocked by Bombardment

Khatibzadeh emphasized that diplomacy is still Iran’s preferred path. “Of course, diplomacy is the first option,” he told the BBC. “But while bombardment continues, we cannot start any negotiation.” He cited Article 51 of the UN Charter, defending Iran’s missile strikes as acts of self-defense following Israel’s attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, which reportedly killed several top scientists and generals.

Nuclear Deal Sabotaged by Israel

In response to Trump’s claims that the crisis could have been avoided had Iran accepted a nuclear deal, Khatibzadeh pointed fingers at Israel for sabotaging negotiations. “We were on the verge of reaching an agreement,” he said, referring to the sixth round of nuclear talks planned in Muscat. The Israeli strikes halted progress and shattered diplomatic momentum.

Conflicting US Signals and Ongoing Talks

The Iranian minister also criticized the "confusing and contradictory" social media posts and statements from Trump, suggesting they reveal deeper U.S. involvement. Meanwhile, backchannel diplomacy reportedly continues, with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi engaging in multiple calls aimed at crisis de-escalation.

However, Tehran remains firm: no return to negotiations unless Israel ceases its attacks. Iran denies accusations from Israel that it is weaponizing its enriched uranium, maintaining that its nuclear program is solely for peaceful energy purposes.

International Alarm Over Nuclear Risk

Concerns have heightened since the IAEA confirmed that Iran now possesses uranium enriched up to 60% a technical step away from weapons-grade. Khatibzadeh dismissed the claims as speculative and baseless: “If we wanted to have a nuclear bomb, we would have had it way before.”

IAEA chief Rafael Grossi also weighed in, warning that nuclear sites must never be targeted, citing the risk to human life and the environment.

Hope for Renewed Diplomacy

There is a glimmer of hope. Khatibzadeh noted that European nations, following discussions at the G7 summit in Canada, seem eager to resume ministerial-level diplomatic talks. A meeting in Geneva is reportedly being planned to revisit the path of peaceful negotiation.

As the region teeters on the brink, Iran’s warning is stark: further escalation especially with U.S. involvement could unleash chaos far beyond current borders.