US-Israeli aggression on Iran sole cause of regional escalation: FM
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the current escalation in the region stems solely from the US-Israeli military aggression against Iran, as well as the US exploitation of military bases and assets in regional countries to launch attacks.
In a phone call with Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, Araghchi highlighted the international legal obligation of all states to prevent the use of their territory for military aggression against others, urging regional nations to pursue collective peace and security, independent from non-regional actors.
He stressed that war crimes committed by the US and Israel—including strikes on schools, hospitals, industrial facilities, and nuclear sites—must be prosecuted in domestic and international courts.
Since the beginning of the US-Israeli aggression on February 28, Tehran has targeted US interests in regional countries and criticized Persian Gulf states for allowing the US to use their territory and capabilities against Iran.
During the conversation, Qatar’s top diplomat echoed Iran’s call for de-escalation, reaffirming its principled stance against the use of force and respect for national sovereignty.
Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari also stressed on Tuesday that Iran is a key neighboring state and it is essential to find a way for peaceful coexistence.
No winner in
ongoing war
Al-Ansari later warned that continued tensions benefit no one and could lead to irreversible consequences.
“We are approaching a point where the situation in the region may spiral out of control,” he said, adding that prolonged conflict serves no long-term interest for any country.
He stressed that there will be no winner in an ongoing war.
Regional tensions continue to rise as US President Donald Trump has set a deadline and threatened to target Iran’s civilian infrastructure.
Iran has warned of reciprocal action, saying any similar infrastructure belonging to the US or involved in aggression against Iran will be targeted. “This is not a choice—it is part of our defensive measures against an illegal act,” said Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei in an interview with Reuters.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts led by Pakistan are underway, with Qatar expressing support for mediation while refraining from direct involvement.
Al-Ansari said moving closer to the negotiating table will be better for the region, but cautioned that the window for diplomatic resolution is closing rapidly.