In an exclusive interview on Sunday, seasoned Iranian journalist and international affairs analyst Mehdi Latifi strongly condemned recent U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, calling the action “a closure of the door to diplomacy” and a violation of international norms.
Latifi, with over 15 years of experience covering international affairs, emphasized that the strikes occurred while Iran and several European countries were engaged in negotiations aimed at reaching a diplomatic solution. “The U.S. has closed the door to diplomacy by striking three Iranian nuclear sites,” he stated.
According to Latifi, the attacks did not significantly damage Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. “The targeted sites had already been evacuated in advance, and there was almost no significant damage to people, the area, or residents,” he noted. However, he warned of a strong military response from Iran. “It is expected that in the coming hours and days, the Islamic Republic will respond to the U.S. militarily. Under these circumstances, American bases and forces in the region will be in very difficult conditions.”
Latifi also criticized what he described as undue Israeli influence over American foreign policy. “Much of the U.S. foreign policy in the region is dictated by the Israeli regime, and the attack on Iran was also dictated by Israel to the U.S.,” he said.
He stressed that targeting nuclear sites amid diplomatic talks undermines trust and breaches international agreements. “Targeting nuclear sites violates international laws of the NPT member countries,” Latifi asserted.
Reflecting on the broader sentiment within Iran, Latifi noted widespread public skepticism toward American diplomatic intentions. “The people of Iran have never been optimistic about diplomacy with the U.S. from the very beginning. The experience with the JCPOA and the years that followed did not create a positive mindset among the people.”
Despite these doubts, Iran had re-engaged in negotiations to show goodwill. “Iran once again entered negotiations to demonstrate its goodwill. What was the result? The U.S., with Israel’s cooperation, bombed Iran’s sensitive and critical nuclear sites in the middle of the talks. This is the reality of American diplomacy,” he remarked.
Latifi concluded by expressing the sentiment felt by many in Iran following the U.S. strikes. “There is absolutely no trust among the Iranian people towards the U.S., especially towards figures like Trump… Given this background and the aggressive actions taken, the window for genuine diplomacy has, regrettably, been almost entirely closed.”
He called on the global community for accountability. “I ask intellectuals, analysts, and even politicians to assess where such actions align with the principles of diplomacy,” Latifi urged.
