Mar 5 • 10:40 UTC 🇰🇷 Korea Hankyoreh (KR)

"Students are dying" "To stop nuclear weapons" - Iran and Israel ambassadors hold press conferences in Seoul

Iran and Israel's ambassadors held simultaneous press conferences in Seoul, condemning each other amid escalating tensions following the U.S. and Israel's military actions against Iran.

In the wake of rising tensions in the Middle East due to the U.S. and Israel's actions against Iran, the Iranian and Israeli ambassadors held simultaneous press conferences in Seoul, each condemning the other's stance. Iranian Ambassador Saeed Kouzehchi criticized an alleged attack that he described as a clear war crime, claiming it resulted in the deaths of 165 students at a school in Iran, suggesting the assault was a reaction to supposed nuclear arms development by Iran. He dismissed claims that negotiations regarding Iran's nuclear program had failed, arguing that discussions were ongoing and that current hostilities made further negotiations impossible.

In response, Israeli Ambassador Raphael Harpaz defended Israel's stance by framing the military action as necessary to counteract what he characterized as a threat of radical Islamic ideology combined with weapons of mass destruction, pointing to the potential risk posed by Iran's nuclear program and highlighting the urgency for international action. Harpaz referenced historical incidents in North Korea as a caution against inaction, arguing that unchecked nuclear development in Iran could lead to a scenario similar to North Korea’s current capabilities.

The contrasting narratives from each ambassador underscore the high stakes surrounding Iran's nuclear ambitions and the geopolitical complexities influencing broader regional stability. With both sides urging diplomatic engagement, the overall situation remains fraught, highlighting the delicate balance of power and the potential for further escalation if diplomatic avenues are not pursued effectively.

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