Iran has blamed the United States for the resumption of conflict with Israel, describing Washington as an “arsonist” and warning that its retaliation could have severe consequences for the global economy.
The statement follows renewed hostilities between Iran and Israel after Israeli airstrikes hit central and western Iran in the early hours of Monday. Explosions were reported in several Iranian cities, including Tehran, Isfahan, Tabriz, and Karaj.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, said in a televised message on Monday that the overnight exchange of fire between both sides would further complicate an already “chaotic diplomatic process” with the United States. He added that Tehran continues to exchange messages with Washington in an atmosphere of “extreme suspicion”.
Baghaei said Israel’s actions in Lebanon, whether carried out with or without U.S. knowledge, were aimed at undermining diplomacy. He insisted that Washington, as a party to the April 8 ceasefire, bears direct responsibility for any violations, including attacks attributed to Israel, warning that the world should be concerned about the risk of a wider regional conflict.
“The United States bears direct responsibility for any action the Zionist regime (Israel) takes in relation to violating regional peace and security against Iran,” he said.
He also noted that the visit of Pakistan’s interior minister to Tehran on Sunday formed part of ongoing efforts to sustain indirect communication with Washington.
Separately, Baghaei said Iran would respond to any resolution against it at this week’s meeting of the United Nations nuclear watchdog’s Board of Governors, accusing International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi of ignoring the realities of the conflict and taking biased political positions that undermine the agency’s credibility.
The latest developments come amid escalating tensions after Israel carried out strikes in Iran, defying calls for restraint reportedly made by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who had urged both sides to stop fighting immediately following earlier exchanges linked to attacks in the region.
However, White House officials have denied any involvement, saying the United States did not give Israel a “green light” for the strikes and had no role in the operation.