Iran Slams US Over 'Grotesque Absurdity' in Peace Claims
Iran has strongly condemned the United States for what it describes as a 'grotesque absurdity' in claiming to seek peace while simultaneously escalating tensions and threatening a nuclear crisis. The remarks came from Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Saeed Khatibzadeh during a weekly press conference on Monday.
Contradiction in US Actions and Rhetoric
Khatibzadeh stated that the US administration's actions contradict its rhetoric of pursuing peace. He emphasized that Washington's continued sanctions and military posturing in the region are clear indications of its hostile intentions. 'It is a grotesque absurdity that they claim to seek peace and prevent a nuclear crisis while imposing crippling sanctions and deploying additional forces to the Persian Gulf,' he said.
The spokesperson further accused the US of using the nuclear issue as a pretext to exert pressure on Iran and destabilize the region. He reiterated Iran's commitment to peaceful nuclear activities under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and called on the US to return to the 2015 nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
Regional Security Concerns
Khatibzadeh also highlighted the negative impact of US policies on regional security. He pointed out that the US withdrawal from the JCPOA in 2018 and its subsequent 'maximum pressure' campaign have only increased tensions and undermined diplomatic efforts. 'The US must abandon its failed policies and respect international law if it truly seeks peace,' he added.
Iran's criticism comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, with the US recently conducting military exercises with allies in the region. Tehran has warned that any aggressive action will be met with a strong response, further escalating the risk of conflict.
International Community's Role
The Iranian official urged the international community to hold the US accountable for its actions and to support multilateralism. He called on European signatories to the JCPOA to fulfill their commitments and help restore the agreement. 'The world must not remain silent while the US undermines global peace and security,' Khatibzadeh stated.
Iran has consistently maintained that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes and has allowed inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). However, the US has expressed concerns over Iran's uranium enrichment activities, which have exceeded JCPOA limits since the US withdrawal.
Path Forward
Analysts believe that the current standoff requires a diplomatic solution, with both sides showing willingness to de-escalate. While Iran has expressed readiness to return to compliance if the US lifts sanctions, Washington insists on broader negotiations covering Iran's ballistic missile program and regional influence.
As the situation remains tense, the Iranian spokesperson's remarks underline the deep mistrust between the two nations. The 'grotesque absurdity' accusation reflects Tehran's frustration with what it perceives as US hypocrisy, setting the stage for continued friction unless a breakthrough occurs in negotiations.
