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US instructs embassies to deny involvement in Israeli strikes on Iran

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the United States of involvement in the attacks, saying Washington must take responsibility for Israel's actions

Снимка: БГНЕС/ЕРА

The US State Department has issued a directive to its embassies and consulates around the world to inform host governments that the United States "does not participate" in unilateral Israeli strikes on Iran. The directive, issued in the form of an ALDAC cable, stressed that the US did not provide air tanker support for the Israeli actions, Reuters reported.

The State Department confirmed that the country remains committed to a diplomatic resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue and that the safety of American citizens and assets is a top priority. "No actions by other governments, intermediaries, or independent actors should endanger American citizens or infrastructure", the statement said.

The announcements from Washington come against the backdrop of an escalation of violence between Israel and Iran. On Sunday, Tehran was bombed, and clashes in the region continue. According to official sources, more than 220 Iranians and 14 Israelis have died since the beginning of the conflict.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the United States of involvement in the attacks, saying that Washington must take responsibility for Israel's actions. At the same time, US President Donald Trump, on his way to the G7 summit in Canada, expressed support for Israel and stressed that the US would continue to defend its country from Iranian attacks. Trump warned that if US interests were attacked, "the full force and power of the US armed forces will be unleashed on Iran at levels never seen before".

The president added that the US would seek a diplomatic solution to the conflict and continue efforts to de-escalate. However, amid the announced nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran, Iran has refused to participate in negotiations while under attack, sources said.