Iran accuses US of ‘unacceptable’ escalation in tensions
TOKYO: Iran yesterday accused the United States of an “unacceptable” escalation of tensions and said Tehran was showing “maximum restraint” despite Washington’s withdrawal from a nuclear deal with world powers.
Tensions were already high a er President Donald Trump walked away from the accord a year ago.
But they have been ratcheted up significantly in recent weeks with the US deploying an aircra carrier strike group and B-52 bombers forced to the Gulf over alleged threats from Iran.
“The escalation by the United States is unacceptable,” Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said in Tokyo yesterday where he is holding talks with Japanese officials.
“We exercise maximum restraint ... in spite of the fact that the United States withdrew from JCPOA last May,” he added, referring to the agreement on Tehran’s nuclear program known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.
He added that Tehran remains “commi ed” to the deal, and said continuing assessments showed Iran was in compliance with the multilateral agreement.
Zarif’s comments came hours a er the US ordered nonemergency staff evacuated from its Baghdad embassy due to an “imminent” threat from Iranianlinked Iraqi militias.
The move added to growing fears that the long-time rivals could be on course for conflict despite both sides stressing they have no desire for war.
Trump, however, predicted Iran would “soon” want to negotiate and denied there was any discord in the White House over moves that critics say could lead to war in the Middle East.
“I’m sure that Iran will want to talk soon,” the president tweeted. He also blasted media reports of White House turmoil, saying “there is no infighting whatsoever. Different opinions are expressed and I make a final and decisive decision.”
Opponents of Trump say hardliners led by national security advisor John Bolton, who has long advocated toppling the Iranian regime, are pushing the country into war.