Iranian ambassador accuses US and Israel of sabotage ahead of nuclear talks
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Iranian Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghaddam on Sunday accused the United States and Israel of sabotaging peace by launching deadly strikes on Iranian territory just two days before scheduled nuclear talks with American representatives.
Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Amiri said the attacks on June 13 killed Iranian commanders and were a direct attempt to derail a diplomatic meeting planned for June 15. 'The Zionist regime and the United States do not want resolution through diplomacy,' he stated.
The ambassador labelled the Israeli government as 'illegitimate' and accused it of acting as a 'US military outpost' in the Middle East.
He stressed that Iran is a member of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and operates under the strict oversight of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), unlike Israel.
Citing two US intelligence reviews, Amiri reiterated that Iran's nuclear programme is peaceful. 'Our Supreme Leader has clearly stated we are committed to peaceful nuclear development,' he said, adding that the programme exists 'in the minds of our scientists' and cannot be destroyed by missiles.
He said Iran will defend itself and has already shown that Israel was unable to intercept Iranian-made missiles. 'When the Zionist regime failed to defend itself, America was brought in,' Amiri claimed, adding that Washington struck Iran again on Sunday morning.
Amiri warned the US that 'in war, we will determine where America will feel pain,' while stating that Iran is supported by Muslims around the world. He thanked Pakistan's government, media, scholars, and politicians for their solidarity and support.
Amiri also expressed gratitude to the United Nations Security Council members who condemned Israeli aggression alongside Pakistan.
He dismissed calls for regime change in Iran, claiming that all American presidents have attempted to interfere in Iranian governance through diplomacy or force. 'The Iranian people will never accept leadership imposed by Israel or the United States,' he said.
The ambassador said the city of Isfahan, a densely populated area near Iran's nuclear infrastructure, suffered unspecified damage in recent strikes, while the Fordow nuclear site remained unaffected due to its remote location.
He concluded by thanking Pakistan for its 'brave and honourable support,' affirming Iran's continued resistance against foreign aggression and its stance against 'genocidal regimes' in Gaza and beyond.
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