Iran has cast doubts on the durability of the US-brokered ceasefire with Israel, warning it is ready to respond if hostilities with the Jewish state resume. Tehran also demanded that the United Nations recognise Israel and the United States as being to blame for their recent 12-day war.
“We did not start the war, but we have responded to the aggressor with all our power,” Iran’s armed forces chief of staff, Abdolrahim Mousavi, was quoted as saying by state television, referring to Israel.
“We have serious doubts over the enemy’s compliance with its commitments, including the ceasefire. We are ready to respond with force” if attacked again, he added, six days into the ceasefire announced by US President Donald Trump.
The conflict between the arch-foes in West Asia saw the most serious escalation on June 13, when Israel launched a bombing campaign in Iran that killed top military commanders and scientists linked to its disputed nuclear programme. Israel claimed it aimed to keep the Islamic republic from developing a nuclear weapon — an ambition Tehran has consistently denied, insisting it has the right to develop nuclear power for civilian purposes like energy.
The fighting culminated after the US–a staunch ally of Jerusalem– joined Israeli forces to attack three nuclear facilities in Iran, following which Tehran targeted a US military base in Qatar. The fighting also derailed nuclear talks between Iran and the United States.
Trump has threatened further strikes should Iran enrich uranium to levels capable of manufacturing nuclear weapons.
Iran Demands Responsibility
In a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres published on Sunday, Iran demanded that the United Nations recognise Israel and the United States as being to blame for this month’s war.
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