Iran Rejects US and Israeli Threats, Says They Can’t Harm Tehran
Tensions Escalate in the Middle East
Iran has responded to threats from the United States and Israel, calling them a blatant violation of international law and stating that they cannot harm Tehran. The comments came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Jerusalem, where they reiterated their determination to thwart Iran’s nuclear ambitions and influence in the Middle East.
Netanyahu’s Rhetoric
Netanyahu claimed that Israel had dealt a "mighty blow" to Iran since the start of the war in Gaza and expressed confidence that with the support of US President Donald Trump, they could and would finish the job. This comes as Trump has expressed an openness to a deal with Tehran while also reinstating the "maximum pressure" campaign on Iran that was applied during his first term to stop Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
Iran’s Response
Speaking at a weekly press conference, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei responded to the threats, saying, "When it comes to a country like Iran, they cannot do a damn thing." He added, "You cannot threaten Iran on one hand and claim to support dialogue on the other hand." This sentiment is in line with Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has criticized Trump’s previous administration for not honoring its promises.
Economic Sanctions and Nuclear Program
The US withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear pact with Iran in 2018 led to the reimposition of sanctions that have crippled Iran’s economy. In response, Iran accelerated the enrichment of uranium to up to 60% purity, close to the roughly 90% of weapons-grade purity. Tehran claims its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes.
Weakening of Iran’s Regional Influence
Despite Baghaei’s defiant words, Tehran’s influence throughout the region has weakened severely with its regional allies, known as the "Axis of Resistance," either dismantled or badly hurt since the start of the Hamas-Israel conflict in Gaza and the fall of Bashar al-Assad in Syria in December. The Axis includes not only Hamas but also Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, and various Shi’ite armed groups in Iraq and Syria.
Conclusion
The situation in the Middle East remains volatile, with tensions between Iran, the US, and Israel escalating. As the region teeters on the brink of conflict, the international community must remain vigilant and work towards a peaceful resolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the latest developments in the situation between Iran, the US, and Israel?
A: Iran has rejected US and Israeli threats, calling them a blatant violation of international law and stating that they cannot harm Tehran. Tensions between the three nations continue to escalate.
Q: What is the current state of Iran’s nuclear program?
A: Iran has accelerated the enrichment of uranium to up to 60% purity, close to the roughly 90% of weapons-grade purity, and claims its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes.
Q: What is the current state of Iran’s regional influence?
A: Tehran’s influence throughout the region has weakened severely with its regional allies, known as the "Axis of Resistance," either dismantled or badly hurt since the start of the Hamas-Israel conflict in Gaza and the fall of Bashar al-Assad in Syria in December.