Tensions are on the rise between Tehran and Washington, and now, one of Iran’s top envoys has claimed America is using military force to maintain control of the world while attempting to stop the growth of new world powers like India, China, and Russia.
Abdul Majeed Hakeem Ilahi, who is Iran’s Supreme Leader’s special representative, told ANI (Asian News International) that Iran is willing to stop fighting and to resume talks with the United States, but only under conditions of respect and without pressure.
Ilahi stated that Iran would only consider holding talks after America stops attacking Iran, guarantees that there would be no future attacks, and lifts sanctions imposed on Iran by the United States. He firmly stated that Iran is being attacked and that it did not cause the current conflict.
Claims of Missed Diplomacy
Ilahi further stated that prior to the rise of tensions, Iran had been in indirect talks with the US via Oman, which are now no longer likely as they were close to resolving their differences. In addition to this, he stated, the Omani foreign minister has verified the level of progress that had been achieved via these discussions. Therefore, Tehran was optimistic about reaching a substantive resolution diplomatically. However, he contended, the attacks that took place since have affected this process negatively.
In addition, from the US view, the White House took a much stronger stance against Iran after Donald Trump commented that the overtures were now too late. He also stated that Iran’s naval, air and defence assets were mostly destroyed and that the U.S. military would continue to conduct operations until Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programmes were no longer able to be effectively conducted.
A Wider Strategic Accusation
Ilahi went beyond the immediate conflict to make a larger accusation. He claimed that America was trying to keep the balance of power from shifting to the rest of the world from Iran. He also expressed his belief that the world will see the emergence of places like India, China and Russia as the world’s leading countries in the upcoming decades. The United States is responsible for exacerbating instability in these countries in order to slow down the shift to a multipolar world.
Ilahi’s statements represent a narrative that is often used by Tehran and has been echoed by certain sections of Moscow and Beijing. Washington has rejected those claims and repeatedly stated that its actions are meant to limit the spread of nuclear weapons and protect regional security.
Tehran Stresses Stability
Amid the rising air attacks named Operation Epic Fury, Iranian leaders have tried to appear calm. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian pointed out that Iran is still operating as usual, despite the unusual circumstances. He stated that provinces are continuing to make decisions and that national unity has not been broken.
The situation remains in flux with military operations continuing and diplomatic avenues seemingly strained but still possibly existent. The ability for diplomatic back channels to be reopened may depend on the events that will happen in the next few days and weeks.
For now, both parties speak of being strong, but underlying the words of both parties is the uncertainty of whether or not diplomacy can reclaim the ground that has been lost before the fighting can change the region any further.
