Iran to US: Stopping the Spread of War in Gaza and West Bank

• Financial

In a significant diplomatic development, Iran has conveyed to the United States its intent not to escalate the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli conflict, as revealed by Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian.

Diplomatic Exchanges Amidst Rising Tensions

Iran's position on the escalating conflict was communicated through diplomatic channels, with messages exchanged between Iran and the U.S.

via the U.S. interests section at the Swiss embassy in Tehran. This revelation comes amidst heightened tensions in the Middle East following a series of aggressive incidents in the region. Amir-Abdollahian stated, "In response to the US, we said that Iran does not want the war [between Israel and Hamas] to spread." He emphasized that Iran's stance was contingent on the actions of the U.S.

and Israel in the region, noting that if crimes against the people of Gaza and the West Bank were not halted, a broader conflict could become inevitable. This diplomatic exchange, ongoing over the past 40 days, highlights the complex web of relations and interests in the Middle East.

Amir-Abdollahian also ruled out the possibility of direct talks between Tehran and Washington, according to the Financial Times.

Recent Conflict Dynamics in the Middle East

The Middle East has seen a flare-up of violence since October 7, when Hamas militants launched attacks from the Gaza Strip, targeting Israeli border settlements and taking hostages.

Hamas described its actions as a response to Israeli aggression against the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem's Old City. In response, Israel has enforced a total blockade of the Gaza Strip and carried out air strikes not only in Gaza but also in parts of Lebanon and Syria.

Additionally, clashes have been reported in the West Bank. Amidst these developments, Iran's permanent mission to the UN told Reuters that Tehran would not engage in direct conflict with Jerusalem unless Israel attacked Iran.

This statement reflects a cautious approach by Iran, seeking to avoid direct military confrontation while expressing solidarity with the Palestinian cause. As the situation continues to evolve, the international community remains watchful of the actions and interactions of key players in the region, hoping for a de-escalation of tensions and a peaceful resolution to the longstanding conflict.