WASHINGTON: The White House is currently discussing the possibility of a meeting between the United States (US) envoy for the Middle Eat Steve Witkoff, and Foreign Minister of Iran, Abbas Araghchi, international media reported early on Tuesday.
The potential dialogue arises amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, particularly following recent military confrontations that has killed over 226 Iranians since the conflict began.
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The latest escalation in conflict started last Friday after Israel launched airstrikes on Iran – unprovoked – while the US was in middle of fragile talks with the Islamic Republic. The airstrikes killed several high-profile Iranian military personnel and scientists.
Iran launched several drone and ballistic missile strikes in retaliation but caused little damage. The retaliatory strikes continued over the next few days, with Israel targeting Iran’s nuclear sites, oil refineries, and gas fields among other.
Despite vowing to continue its strikes against Israel, the Islamic Republic has been calling on the US and international community to help end the conflict. The Middle Eastern nation is suffering from crippling economic crisis fuelled by Western sanctions for its nuclear programme.
Israel justified its unprovoked airstrikes on Iran for the latter’s nuclear programme, which it claims is near weapons-grade uranium enrichment levels. Iran has been pursuing its nuclear programme for years, citing peaceful use of the technology only.
Meanwhile, Israel is the only Middle Eastern state who possesses nuclear weapons, although the occupying regime has never officially declared it; maintaining a policy of deliberate ambiguity.
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Axios reported that Trump’s team has proposed talks with Iran this week aimed at establishing a peace deal and seeking “an end to the war” with Israel.
A meeting between the Iranian FM and the US envoy might help facilitate renewed diplomatic dialogue; helping the North American country balance its support for Israel while engaging Iran in curbing its nuclear aspirations.