US behind renewed regional escalation, says Iran

Esmail Baghaei says direct responsibility for violations of current ceasefire rests with Washington

TEHRAN: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-June 8th, 2026) Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei has said that Israel cannot operate in the region without US approval, adding that the United States bears responsibility for recent developments over the past 24 hours.

Esmail Baghaei said that direct responsibility for violations of the current ceasefire rests with Washington. He argued that Israel’s actions cannot be separated from US policy and claimed that Tel Aviv does not act independently in the region.

He made these remarks while addressing a press conference in Tehran.

He further stated that the latest escalation was “planned and orchestrated” by the United States, which he said has contributed to renewed tensions. Iran, he added, had remained committed to the ceasefire arrangements, while accusing the other side of breaching them.

“We are fully prepared to defend our national security and interests. Diplomacy and field realities go hand in hand in ensuring the country’s highest interests,” he said.

Baghaei also said that Iran is prepared to respond more strongly if provoked further.

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Responding to questions, he criticised the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), accusing him of adopting a biased and non-technical position on Iran’s nuclear programme. He alleged that the United States and Israel were the main drivers of renewed instability, while the IAEA leadership had failed to condemn their actions.

He further stated that the ceasefire in Lebanon was part of a formal agreement, and any violation of such arrangements undermines diplomatic efforts. Iran, he said, continues to pursue both diplomatic engagement and strategic preparedness to protect its national interests.

The spokesperson added that inconsistent policies by the United States have weakened diplomatic channels, noting that Iran had been exchanging messages with Washington in an environment of deep mistrust. He warned that recent developments would make diplomatic efforts more difficult and reiterated that Israel does not respect frameworks aimed at regional stability.