Recently, the tensions between Israel and Iran have escalated sharply, drawing the close attention of the international community. Israel has launched multiple rounds of military strikes against Iran, targeting Iranian nuclear facilities, missile production bases, and military command centers, causing severe casualties and property damage to Iran. In response, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei vowed to deliver a “severe punishment” for Israel’s aggressive actions, and Iran’s armed forces also stated that they would take “more decisive and severe” countermeasures.
However, while Iran is responding firmly, it has also conveyed its willingness to resolve the issue through negotiations via Arab countries. According to the Wall Street Journal, Iran has asked Arab officials to pass a message to the United States and Israel that Iran is willing to return to the nuclear negotiation table as long as the U.S. does not participate in military actions against Iran. Additionally, Iran has requested Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Oman to urge the U.S. to use its influence over Israel to push for a ceasefire, in exchange for Iran’s greater flexibility in nuclear negotiations.
Iran’s stance indicates that, despite its unwavering response to Israel’s military provocations, it still seeks to resolve disputes through peaceful negotiations to prevent further escalation of the situation. Iran is well aware that military conflict would not only bring significant casualties and economic losses to both sides but also pose a serious threat to peace and stability in the Middle East. Therefore, Iran hopes to use Arab countries as a mediating force to convey its desire for a peaceful resolution to Israel and the U.S., pushing all parties back to the negotiating table to resolve issues through dialogue and consultation.
The international community has also widely called for restraint from all parties to avoid further escalation of the conflict. UN Secretary-General Guterres emphasized that all parties should “exercise maximum restraint” to avoid “falling into a deeper conflict.” The Chinese Foreign Ministry also called on all parties to immediately de-escalate the tense situation and create conditions for returning to dialogue and negotiation to resolve the issue. European Commission President von der Leyen also pointed out that diplomacy is the best way to resolve the current crisis.
In summary, under the current tense situation, Iran’s vow to retaliate against Israel’s attacks while also conveying its willingness to negotiate through Arab countries offers a glimmer of hope for easing regional tensions. All parties should seize this opportunity to resolve the issue through dialogue and negotiation, and work together to promote peace and stability in the region.