'Israel' planning strike on Iran nuclear sites, says European diplomat

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News websites
20 Jan 2025 15:35

The EU diplomat reportedly implied that the Israeli strike on Iran's nuclear sites would not occur imminently but is also not far off.

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Iran’s underground Fordo nuclear facility outside of Qom, Iran, October 23, 2021. (Planet Labs Inc. via AP)

A senior European diplomat, as cited by Al Arabiya, revealed that "Israel" has already decided to launch an attack on Iran's nuclear sites, though the timeline for such an operation remains unclear.

The diplomat implied, according to the report, that the strike would not occur imminently but is also not far off.

“We believe Israel has taken the decision to attack following the developments in the Middle East over the last several months,” the diplomat stressed.

The report also highlighted that the diplomat did not confirm an immediate timeline for the attack. Instead, European nations have initiated discussions with the incoming Trump administration to explore whether diplomacy or other measures could still prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

The urgency of these efforts has grown, as European diplomats reportedly fear the Trump administration’s potential for a more confrontational approach toward Iran.

England, France, and Germany (the E-3) recently engaged with Iranian officials to assess their willingness to negotiate, anticipating possible escalations under Trump’s leadership.

Iran addresses claims regarding Trump assassination, nuclear program

Last week, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said that "Iran has never attempted to nor does it plan to assassinate anyone," including US President-elect Donald Trump.

According to the Iranian leader, the narrative constitutes another "scheme" plotted by the Israeli occupation and other countries to incite Iranophobia, stressing that Iran has never plotted to assassinate Trump and does not plan to either.

As Trump prepares to assume office for his second term, Pezeshkian expressed hopes that his tenure would bring about peace in the region and the world, "not conversely, contribute to bloodshed and war."

Responding to questions regarding a possible US-Israeli attack aimed at deterring Iran's nuclear program, Pezeshkian affirmed that the Islamic Republic was ready to react to the developments.

"Naturally enough, we will react to any action. We do not fear war, but we do not seek it," he stated, adding that the situation would not develop to such an extent, as the consequences would impact all involved actors.

In this context, the Iranian president said Iran was not developing nuclear weapons, despite consistent claims of nuclear building activities.

Discussing the nuclear program and dialogue with major powers, Pezeshkian said Iran remains dedicated to the commitments it made, "but unfortunately, it was the other party that did not live up to its promises and obligations."