‘Real gamble’: Iranian negotiator warns US cannot contain war with Iran
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi has warned the United States against any act of aggression, saying a military strike would be a “real gamble” and that no one would be able to contain the ensuing war.
“How can one end a war with just one strike? In our judgment, that is a real gamble. We hope that will not be the case,” he told America's National Public Radio (NPR) in an interview aired on Tuesday.
The Iranian official also warned that the “whole region will suffer” under such circumstances.
The United States and Iran prepare for another round of indirect talks scheduled for February 26 in Geneva.
The United States has positioned what President Donald Trump has called an "armada" in the region, threatening to attack Iran if negotiations fail to produce a replacement for the 2015 nuclear deal, which was abandoned by Trump in 2018 during his first term in office.
Iran has warned of a decisive response to any attack and that a conflict would bring the assets of the US and its regional allies under fire.
Takht-Ravanchi, who is also part of Iran's negotiating team, said Iran would not be intimidated by Washington's show of force. It is in the interest of all parties to prioritize diplomacy, he said.
“What is the purpose of sending troops, an armada, to our region? Is it to intimidate Iran? That is not going to happen. Iranians have proven to be resilient.”
“There is no military solution for the Iranian nuclear dossier. Therefore, instead of warmongering and deploying forces, it is better to concentrate on diplomacy,” he said.
Iran, the deputy minister said, is ready for an agreement, but a breakthrough hinges on all parties demonstrating political will.
“We are ready to reach an agreement as soon as possible. We want to do whatever is necessary to make it happen. We will enter the negotiating room in Geneva with all sincerity and goodwill.”
The latest round of indirect Iran-US talks in Geneva concluded with an understanding on a set of guiding principles to shape future discussions.
The two sides are expected to discuss their respective drafts for a potential agreement during the upcoming meeting on Thursday.
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