Iran: U.S. Directly Responsible for Escalation as Diplomatic Process Deteriorates

On U.S. Responsibility:
Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei stated that Washington remains fully complicit with Israel, both offensively and defensively, regardless of U.S. claims of being unaware of the strikes on Beirut. "The U.S. is the party to the April 8 ceasefire and bears direct responsibility for any violation," he said, adding that Israeli actions cannot be separated from U.S. policy.

On Nuclear Talks (Pakistan-mediated):
Baghaei acknowledged that the overnight events "will only add to the chaotic state of the diplomatic process," deepening existing mistrust. While confirming that message exchanges with the U.S. have continued and Pakistan’s mediation is ongoing, he warned that the very purpose of the talks – ending the war in both Iran and Lebanon – is being undermined. "If that philosophy is distorted, the diplomatic process will naturally be affected," he stated.

On Military Readiness:
"Diplomacy and the battlefield operate together to secure national interests," Baghaei said, affirming that Iran’s armed forces are ready for any scenario. He clarified that Iran’s strikes were a defensive act under Article 51 of the UN Charter, following "extraordinary restraint" since the April 8 truce.

On Asset Seizure Claims:
The spokesman dismissed U.S. threats to seize Iranian assets as "absurd," asserting that Iran is the creditor, not the debtor. He stressed that the release of blocked funds is a non-negotiable component of any final understanding.

On False Flag Warnings:
Baghaei rejected reports that Iran struck Saudi Arabia’s Prince Sultan Air Base, stating: "Whatever our armed forces target, they will announce. We warn against any false flag operations."