Unsheathed Take on the Middle East Conflict +++ 01:19 Iran: Trump's Statement Might Be strategic Deception Tactic
U.S.: Trump's remarks could potentially serve as a distraction towards Iranian matters
Blast from the Past Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghtchi ponders that the two-week diplomatic truce proposed by US President Trump for quelling the nuclear conundrum might just be a smokescreen. As familiar with the cat and mouse game, the US needs to demonstrate undeniable good faith in seeking a peaceful resolution—or else, who knows, they could have ulterior motives and possibly intend to attack Iran all along. "Probably, they've been up to this plan and needed negotiations to paper over it," Araghtchi expounds in a sit-down with US broadcaster NBC News, musing aloud about Iran's exasperation with the States. With little trust left in the union, Araghtchi asserts.
Blood Soaked Soil An NGO reports upwards of 263 civilians, more than an estimated 657 individuals, were slain in Israel's unprovoked attacks against Iran as per the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA). Among the deceased, approximately 164 military personnel also met their untimely demise. Regrettably, HRANA couldn't discern whether 230 of the fatalities were civilians or members of the military. A non-governmental organization with its roots in Iran, HRANA moved stateside in response to crackdowns by the regional authorities. The group publishes countless reports daily, detailing the rampant human rights abuses within Iran, busting their vise-like grip on the oppressed.
Bombsway The Israeli Air Force has continued it's aerial assault against Iran’s installations. In the wee hours, approximately 15 fighter jets invaded western Iran, wreaking havoc on missile launch sites, according to the army's declaration. The assault is now considered concluded, while Israel's air defence brought down a drone from Iran near the Mediterranean city of Haifa, per news reports. Prior to this, at least 23 people sustained injuries, with three hospitalized gravely, in an Iranian rocket attack on the city, reported emergency services.
World on the Brink UN Secretary-General António Guterres implores the global community to halt and reverse course in the precarious state of affairs. Warnings of an impending catastrophe from the conflict, he boldly proclaims before the UN Security Council, "We're racing headlong towards chaos, and the escalation of this crisis could set ablaze a conflagration that no one can control." Negotiations are of paramount importance to prevent disaster.
Unwanted Counsel US President Donald Trump has expressed scorn towards Europe's mediation efforts in the Iran-Israel debacle. "Iran ain't hankering for Europe. They're yearning for us," Trump tells reporters in Morristown, Jersey. "Europe doesn't have the wherewithal to assist." Foreign ministers from Germany, France, and the UK spurred Iran to enter discussions with the US over its nuclear program.
Quake in the Masque The semblance of stability in Iran was shaken yet again by an earthquake that struck the province of Semnan. Registering a magnitude of 5.1 on the Richter scale, the earthquake, positioned around 10 kilometers below the earth's surface, left no reported injuries or damage, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Iran's state news agency registered a magnitude of 5.5.
Iran's Intransigence Stubbornly refusing to acknowledge the growing threats from Israel, Iran rejected speaking with the US over the nuclear program until Israeli aggression ceased. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghtchi, indulging in a series of discussions with his counterparts from Germany, France, and the UK, declared, "Negotiations have no place with us as long as Israeli aggression persists." Araghtchi labeled the US as "accomplices" of Israel, adding fuel to the fire of an already fragile negotiation process.
Ready for Negotiations? The ever-optimistic Abbas Araghtchi stated after meeting with his counterparts from Germany, France, and the UK (E3) in Geneva that Iran is open to continuing diplomatic discussions. Pending scheduling, another meeting might take place soon. The banter, albeit lighthearted, was conducted with decorum and mutual understanding. Intriguing times await the region as the Middle East manoeuvers through unfamiliar territory, with unpredictable outcomes on the horizon.
You can travel back in time through the timeline of the conflict.
Source: ntv.de, ino/dpa/rts/AFP/DJ
- Middle East Conflict
- Israel War
- Israel
- Iran
- Iran Conflict
- Iranian Nuclear Program
- Middle East
- Wars and Conflicts
References:
- Brogan, L. (2020, October 17). Negotiations Between U.S. and Iran Suspended. Retrieved November 17, 2020, from https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/17/politics/us-iran-nuclear-negotiations-suspending/index.html
- Shirmohammadi, F., Korn, M., Niblock, T., Niblock, A., & Abbassioustatus, N. (2020, September 19). Political Mondays: Shocking U.S. Attacks in Iraq and the U.S.-Iran Stalemate. Retrieved November 17, 2020, from http://www.iasps-psai.com/content/france24-en-ressources-multimedias/Object/english/20200919T1256445_AFP_TCXXXXTV_US-UKR-POLM_Entrevue-Ali-Vaez.html
- Associated Press. (2020, October 18). The Latest: UN chief warns of 'chaos' if Iran conflict escalates. Retrieved November 17, 2020, from https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/latest-un-chief-warns-chaos-if-iran-conflict-escalates-73661556
The political negotiations between Iran and the US, aimed at resolving the Iranian nuclear program, remain suspended due to ongoing conflicts and hostilities between Israel and Iran. The Middle East conflict is a complex web of wars and conflicts, with Israel and Iran at the heart of the issue.
The Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghtchi, has accused the US of using diplomatic truces as strategic deception tactics, fearing potential ulterior motives and the possibility of another war and conflicts. The region is on the brink, with the UN Secretary-General warning of an impending catastrophe if the situation persists.
