Iran demands UN recognise Israel, US ‘responsibility’ for war

TEHRAN: Iran demanded that the United Nations recognise Israel and the United States as being to blame for their recent 12-day war, in a letter to the secretary-general published on Sunday.

“We officially request hereby that the Security Council recognise the Israeli regime and the United States as the initiators of the act of aggression and acknowledge their subsequent responsibility, including the payment of compensation and reparations,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote in the letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

‘SERIOUS DOUBTS’ OVER CEASEFIRE COMMITMENT

Separately, Iran’s armed forces chief of staff Abdolrahim Mousavi said on Sunday that Tehran was not convinced Israel would abide by a ceasefire that ended their 12-day war earlier this month.

“We did not start the war, but we have responded to the aggressor with all our power. And as we have serious doubts over the enemy’s compliance with its commitments including the ceasefire, we are ready to respond with force” if attacked again, Mousavi was quoted as saying by state TV – six days into the ceasefire which US President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday.

RAFAEL GROSSI

Previously, Araghchi had said that the Iranian parliament “has voted for a halt to collaboration with the IAEA until the safety and security of our nuclear activities can be guaranteed”.

He said the move was a “direct result” of the IAEA head, Rafael Grossi’s “regrettable role” in obfuscating the fact that the UN watchdog already closed all past issues. “Through this malign action, he directly facilitated the adoption of a politically-motivated resolution against Iran” as well as the unlawful Israeli and US bombings of Iranian nuclear sites.”

NO $30 BILLION CIVILIAN NUCLEAR DEAL

Earlier on Friday, US President Donald Trump dismissed media reports that said his administration had discussed possibly helping Iran access as much as $30 billion to build a civilian-energy-producing nuclear programme.

CNN reported on Thursday and NBC News reported on Friday that the Trump administration in recent days had explored possible economic incentives for Iran in return for its government halting uranium enrichment. The reports cited sources.

CNN cited officials as saying that several proposals were floated and were preliminary.

“Who in the Fake News Media is the SleazeBag saying that ‘President Trump wants to give Iran $30 Billion to build non-military Nuclear facilities.’ Never heard of this ridiculous idea,” Trump wrote on Truth Social late on Friday, calling the reports a “HOAX.”