Teheran Issues New Threats Following Possible Israeli Strike, Warning of “Devastating and Determined Response” if Its Nuclear Facilities Are Attacked
The warning was made public on Sunday by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps following reports from CNN about assessments by American intelligence that Israel may be preparing to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities.
“They are trying to scare us with war, but they are mistaken because they do not understand the strong popular and military support that the Islamic Republic can mobilize in wartime,” said Alimohammad Naini, spokesman for the Revolutionary Guard Corps, according to state media.
Meanwhile, Iran and the United States are expected to hold the fifth round of talks on the nuclear issue in Rome on Tuesday amid strong disagreements over uranium enrichment. The United States sees this as a risk for the development of nuclear weapons, while Iran denies any such intention.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said that the United States would bear legal responsibility if Israel carries out any strike against Iran’s nuclear facilities, describing Israeli moves as provocative.
Earlier in the week, CNN reported that American intelligence has been monitoring movements of munitions and the completion of air exercises by Israel, which could be part of preparations for a possible strike. However, it is not clear whether a final decision has been made or if there is disagreement within the administration of US President Donald Trump.
Informed sources stressed that the potential increase in tensions also relates to Tel Aviv’s fear of a possible agreement between the United States and Iran that does not require the removal of all enriched uranium from Iranian territory.
Israeli officials, speaking to “The Jerusalem Post,” expressed concerns about such an agreement, noting that it would undermine Israel’s stance towards Iran.
Meanwhile, Supreme Leader of Iran Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has expressed skepticism about the success of talks with the United States. He described American demands for a halt to uranium enrichment as “excessive and unacceptable,” adding that he is not optimistic about the successful conclusion of negotiations.
“I do not believe that talks with the US on the nuclear program will yield results. I don’t know what will happen,” Khamenei said, according to state media.
