Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has accused the United States of aiding Israel’s recent military campaign against Iran and warned that rising tensions in the Persian Gulf could spiral into a global conflict.

His comments came during a briefing with foreign ambassadors in Tehran on June 15, where he outlined Tehran’s position following several days of escalating hostilities.

Israeli airstrikes on Iranian cities began on June 13, triggering retaliatory missile attacks on Israeli territory.

Araghchi asserted that from Iran’s perspective, “Israel’s aggression could never have occurred without American agreement and support.”

He cited what he described as “credible evidence” of US military involvement in the region and referenced statements by the US president who, according to Araghchi, “explicitly acknowledged that American equipment made the operation possible and hinted at further stages to come.”

“Therefore, America, from our point of view, is a partner in these attacks and must accept its responsibility,” he said.

The ongoing conflict has already derailed diplomatic efforts. A sixth round of nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States, due to take place in Muscat on 15 June, was cancelled in light of the Israeli assault. Araghchi said Iran had prepared a counter-proposal in response to a recent US offer and believed progress might have been possible.

The Iranian minister accused Israel of deliberately sabotaging diplomacy. “It is completely clear that the Israeli regime opposes any agreement, negotiations, or diplomacy. Striking Iran in the midst of nuclear talks illustrates their intent,” he said, expressing regret that “the American government has also played a role in undermining diplomatic efforts.”

Araghchi urged Washington to distance itself from the conflict, stating, “Our expectation is that the American government, if it truly supports nuclear non-proliferation, must condemn the attack on peaceful nuclear facilities and publicly withdraw from this conflict.”

He also issued a stark warning about further escalation, referencing a strike on oil facilities in the southern Iranian city of Asaluyeh as a “blatant act of aggression” and “a dangerous provocation.”

He warned that “spilling the conflict into the Persian Gulf is a strategic miscalculation, possibly deliberate, aimed at expanding the war beyond Iran’s borders.”

While stressing that Iran “does not seek to broaden the conflict,” Araghchi made clear that Tehran would defend itself if provoked.

“We did not initiate this war, we were engaged in nuclear diplomacy when aggression was imposed on us. Our response is a legitimate act of self-defence. If the attacks cease, so will our retaliatory measures.”