Iran Accuses US of Complicity in Potential Israeli Strike, Raises Concerns at UN
Iran has formally accused the United States of complicity in a potential Israeli military strike on its territory, raising alarms over Washington's alleged support for Israel’s aggressive intentions. In a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the Security Council, Iran expressed serious concerns over recent statements made by US President Joe Biden.
The letter highlighted President Biden's indication that he was informed of Israel's plans to potentially launch an attack on Iran. "This inflammatory statement is deeply concerning, as it indicates the United States' tacit approval and explicit support for Israel’s unlawful military aggression against Iran," the letter read. Tehran argued that such rhetoric contradicts Washington’s repeated claims of supporting "de-escalation in the Middle East."
Iran’s concerns were echoed by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who on October 18 warned on social media platform X that "anybody with knowledge or understanding of 'how and when Israel was going to attack Iran', and/or providing the means and backing for such folly, should logically be held accountable for any possible causality."
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The Iranian mission accused the US of facilitating Israeli aggression by providing advanced weaponry, technical expertise, and air defense systems. "The United States is complicit in any Israeli aggression against Iran and its consequences," the letter claimed, adding that Washington has already been involved in "ongoing war crimes and genocidal campaigns targeting civilians in Gaza and Lebanon."
Iran called on the UN Security Council to condemn the US for violating international law and urged the US to fulfill its obligations as a permanent member of the council, in accordance with the UN Charter.
Leaked US Documents Heighten Tensions
The accusations follow the recent leak of sensitive US intelligence documents regarding Israeli preparations for a strike on Iran. The leaked documents, attributed to the US National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), sparked concerns among American and Israeli officials. Dated October 15 and 16, 2024, the documents were shared publicly on Telegram by Middle East Spectator, reportedly originating from within the US intelligence community.
One of the documents, titled "Israel: Air Force Continues Preparation for Strike on Iran and Conducts a Second Large-Force Employment Exercise," revealed that the Israeli Air Force had conducted a second major military exercise simulating a strike on Iran between October 15 and 16. The leak provided details on Israeli military readiness, including assessments of air defense capabilities, weapons handling, and nuclear missile facilities.
In response to the leaks, Israeli Knesset member Tally Gotliv, from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud Party, accused the US of intentionally leaking the information to prevent an Israeli strike on Iran. "The leaking of the documents was done deliberately to hinder Israel from attacking Iran," Gotliv claimed, suggesting that the Biden administration was acting as "Iran's puppet."
The leaks, combined with Tehran’s accusations, have intensified an already volatile situation, raising concerns about the potential for further military escalation in the Middle East.