Amid escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi affirmed on Sunday his country's absolute right to self-defense and to respond decisively to any US military attack. These remarks come at a critical juncture, coinciding with what he described as a "good opportunity" to reach a diplomatic agreement, particularly regarding the Iranian nuclear program, which lies at the heart of the dispute between the two nations.
In an interview with CBS News, Araqchi stated, “If the United States attacks us, we have every right to defend ourselves. This is an act of aggression. Our response will be self-defense.” He emphasized that any Iranian response would be “justified and legitimate,” hinting that US bases in the region would be among the potential targets.
Background to the tension: From the nuclear agreement to the maximum pressure policy
The roots of the current tension lie in the previous US administration's unilateral withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iran nuclear deal, in 2018. This landmark agreement, reached in 2015 between Iran and the P5+1 group of nations, aimed to curb Iran's nuclear program in exchange for the easing of economic sanctions. Following the withdrawal, Washington reimposed harsh sanctions as part of its "maximum pressure" campaign, significantly deteriorating relations and prompting Iran to gradually reduce its commitments under the agreement.
Potential regional and international repercussions
This escalation is causing grave concern both regionally and internationally. Any direct military confrontation between the United States and Iran would not only have repercussions for the two countries but could also ignite a wider conflict in the already unstable Middle East. It would directly impact the security of vital waterways, such as the Strait of Hormuz, threatening global energy supplies and driving up oil prices. International powers, including European countries, Russia, and China, are closely monitoring the situation, calling for restraint and a return to diplomacy.
The course of negotiations and diplomatic efforts
These fiery statements come as preparations are underway for a third round of negotiations between Iran and the United States in Geneva on Thursday. These mutual threats coincide with the United States bolstering its military presence in the region. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts continue behind the scenes, with Oman acting as mediator in two previous rounds of indirect talks between the two sides. Despite the threatening rhetoric, Araqchi kept the door open for diplomacy, saying, “I believe we still have a good chance of reaching a diplomatic solution that benefits everyone.”.
