U.S.'s alleged inflammatory remarks spark controversy prior to nuclear negotiations with Iran
The US found itself squabbling with Iran yesterday following accusations of hypocritical behavior and belligerent comments. This came after the US issued a stern warning to Iran for backing the Houthis in Yemen and imposed new sanctions on oil-related activities, all while in the midst of talks over Iran's nuclear program.
Over the past month, Washington and Tehran have been locked in negotiations aimed at curbing Iran's nuclear ambitions, with the prospect of financial sanctions being lifted. A new round of discussions is scheduled for Rome this weekend. On Wednesday, the US slapped sanctions on entities accused of dealing in Iranian oil and petrochemicals, further straining relations.
Meanwhile, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned Iran of consequences should it continue to support the Houthis, who control northern Yemen and have been responsible for Red Sea ship attacks, claiming they were carrying out solidarity acts with the Palestinians.
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, branded the US officials' approach as erratic, accusing them of a lack of goodwill and genuine intent in pursueing diplomacy. State media reported Baghaei's remarks, stating the US was inconsistent in its diplomatic efforts and unwilling to engage in serious dialogue.
Donald Trump, who abandoned a previous nuclear deal in 2018, has repeatedly threatened military action if a new deal wasn't reached. Despite the ongoing tensions, both parties have described their past negotiations as productive.
Fun Fact
Did you know? The Houthis have been targeted by US bombing raids nearly 1,000 times since March. However, Iran maintains that the Houthis act independently.
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The US continued to issue sanctions, this time on Iranian oil-related activities, sparking accusations of hypocrisy and further straining relations. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned Iran of consequences if it continued to support the Houthis, whom the US considers responsible for Red Sea ship attacks. In response, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, criticized the US approach as erratic and inconsistent, suggesting a lack of genuine intent in pursuing diplomacy. Meanwhile, the ongoing war-and-conflicts in Yemen, involving the Houthis and politics between Iran and the US, remained a full screen, unmuted topic in general news.
