'We are going to continue this self-defence,' Iran's deputy foreign minister says | BBC News

Key Concepts

• De-escalation of regional conflict
• Backdoor messaging between US and Iran
• Iran's stance on nuclear weapons development
• Accusations of Israeli aggression and war crimes
• Self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter
• JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) and its abandonment
• Negotiation conditions and potential diplomatic solutions

Diplomatic Efforts and Regional Concerns

• Many capitals, including those in the Gulf states (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar), are engaged in telephone diplomacy to prevent escalation.
• Western capitals are calling for de-escalation while affirming Israel's right to self-defense.
• A meeting is scheduled in Geneva involving Iran, Germany, Britain, and France.
• The ultimate decision rests with President Trump.

Iranian Perspective: Dr. Seyed Rasoul Mohajer Zade (Deputy Foreign Minister of Iran)

Allegations of Israeli Aggression and Sabotage

• Iran claims it is under attack and accuses Israel of an act of aggression aimed at sabotaging nuclear talks.
• The sixth round of nuclear talks in Moscow was being planned when the alleged Israeli aggression occurred.
• Iran accuses Israel of attacking hospitals and killing hundreds of Iranian civilians.
• Iran claims Israel threatened the head of state and killed a top commander.

Conflicting Messages from the US

• Iran receives conflicting messages from the US:
  • Backdoor messages: Indicate the US was not involved and does not want to be involved.
  • Public messages (Trump's tweets and interviews): Suggest the US was aware, participated, or supported the alleged Israeli aggression.
• Iran denies sending messages to the White House expressing a desire to negotiate.
• Iran claims to have been contacted through European and regional leaders, with messages from top American officials stating non-involvement.

Conditions for Negotiation

• Iran insists that the alleged aggression must stop before negotiations can resume.
• Iran views the current situation as self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter.
• Iran will continue its self-defense until the "aggressor" learns a lesson.

Potential US Involvement

• Iran believes the war is not America's war.
• If President Trump involves the US, it will be a "quagmire" and "hell" for the region.

National Unity and Resistance

• Foreign aggression has created national unity within Iran.
• Iran will resist, regardless of military superiority.
• Diplomacy remains an option, but only after the aggression ceases.

JCPOA and Sabotage Allegations

• Iran claims Netanyahu sabotaged the JCPOA because an agreement was near.
• Mr. Vitkov (unspecified role) was reporting to President Trump and sending messages to the Iranian Foreign Minister.

Nuclear Ambitions

• Iran denies seeking to destroy Israel.
• Iran claims Israel fabricated claims about Iran being on the verge of acquiring a nuclear bomb.
• The IAEA chief stated they have no evidence Iran has ever converted or attempted anything toward a nuclear bomb.
• Iran enriches uranium to 60% in response to the US withdrawal from the JCPOA and subsequent sanctions.
• Iran claims it has never developed a program for nuclear weaponization and will not convert its peaceful nuclear activities toward weaponization.

Geneva Meeting

• Iran welcomes the E3 (Germany, France, UK) plus EU High Representative meeting in Geneva.
• Iran hopes the meeting will lead to de-escalation.

Message to the People of Israel

• The war was unprovoked and unnecessary, started by the Prime Minister of Israel.
• Civilians are dying on both sides.
• People inside "occupied Palestine" are paying the cost of the Israeli government's "adventurism and brutalism."

Conditions for Ending the Conflict

• The "aggressor" must accept responsibility.
• The international community must punish Israel for its aggression.
• An end must be put to the "impunity" of Israelis.

Lee Ducet's Analysis

• There are back channels of communication between the US and Iran, but the messaging is confusing.
• Iran is ready to talk, but only when the war ends.
• Despite the belligerence, the talks in Geneva offer some hope.

Synthesis/Conclusion

The situation is highly volatile, with accusations of aggression and conflicting narratives. While diplomatic efforts are underway, Iran insists on an end to the alleged Israeli aggression as a precondition for negotiations. The role and intentions of the US remain unclear, with conflicting messages adding to the uncertainty. The future of the region hinges on de-escalation and a potential return to diplomacy, but significant obstacles remain.