Iran says US not part of war, signals talks possible if Israel halts strikes

The United States is not a party to the military conflict with Iran and must be distinguished from the Israelis, Iran’s deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi said Saturday.

“If Israeli attacks end, there is a possibility of returning to the negotiating table,” he added.

Gharibabadi said no one has the right to demand restraint from Iran.

“Have we ever attacked the United States or assassinated anyone there? Then why are there so many American military bases surrounding Iran?”

He defended Iran's missile attacks on Israel and said, “Our attack on Israel was a legitimate act of self-defense and fully legal.”