Iran has accused the United States of derailing diplomatic efforts by launching military strikes while nuclear talks were still ongoing.
Speaking in Geneva, Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, Ali Bahreini, described Washington’s decision to attack as reckless and a setback for regional diplomacy. He said Tehran had entered indirect negotiations in good faith and was prepared to continue discussions before the sudden escalation.
According to Bahreini, talks held in February, mediated by Oman, had shown signs of progress, with both sides expressing cautious optimism about further meetings scheduled to take place in Vienna. He alleged that the diplomatic track was abruptly abandoned in favour of military action.
The envoy also criticised U.S. allies in the region, warning that Iran would not tolerate American military bases in neighbouring countries being used to launch attacks against it. While maintaining that Tehran has no quarrel with Gulf states, he stressed that any facility used for operations against Iran would be considered a legitimate military target.
“War was not our choice”, Bahreini said, insisting that Iran’s actions since the outbreak of hostilities amount to self-defence rather than retaliation.
He added that Iranian forces have been instructed to focus strictly on military objectives and avoid civilian casualties.
Bahreini further rejected claims by U.S. President Donald Trump that Tehran had sought renewed contact, stating that no communication had been initiated by Iran since the fighting began.
Tehran maintains that while it remains open to diplomacy, it will continue what it calls defensive operations until the aggression stops.
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