GENEVA — Iran’s top United Nations diplomat has launched a scathing condemnation of American foreign policy, characterizing recent U.S. military actions as a catastrophic failure of judgment that undermined ongoing diplomatic efforts. Ambassador Ali Bahreini, addressing international correspondents in Geneva, asserted that Washington made a “profoundly misguided decision” by initiating hostilities against Iran while delicate nuclear negotiations were underway.
The diplomatic confrontation erupted despite what Bahreini described as promising indirect talks held on February 26 regarding Iran’s nuclear program. According to the ambassador, all parties involved had expressed optimism about the discussions, with both American and Iranian representatives agreeing to continue negotiations in Vienna this week.
Bahreini attributed the sudden escalation to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s influence on U.S. President Donald Trump, alleging that the Israeli leader persuaded the American administration to abandon diplomatic channels in favor of military confrontation. The ambassador warned that both leaders would eventually recognize the grave consequences of this decision as Iran determines the course and outcome of the conflict.
The Iranian diplomat emphasized that Tehran maintains no hostility toward neighboring Gulf states, characterizing them as friends engaged in daily dialogue. However, he stated unequivocally that Iran cannot tolerate American military bases in the region being used as operational platforms for attacks against Iranian territory.
Bahreini clarified that Iran’s military responses constitute acts of self-defense rather than retaliation, targeting exclusively U.S. military assets while taking precautions to avoid civilian casualties. He stressed that Tehran has issued strict orders to its armed forces to prevent harm to non-combatants throughout the conflict.
Despite claims from U.S. leadership suggesting Iranian interest in dialogue, Bahreini confirmed that no diplomatic contact has occurred between the nations since hostilities began, characterizing the situation as a war imposed upon Iran that will continue until aggression ceases.