Fact Check: "Esmaeil Baghaei asserted that it is inconceivable that Israel could have committed its recent military actions without U.S. approval."
What We Know
Esmaeil Baghaei, the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, made a statement regarding Israel's military actions against Iran, asserting that it is "inconceivable" for Israel to have conducted these operations without the approval of the United States. This claim was made in the context of escalating military tensions between Iran and Israel, particularly following a significant Israeli offensive targeting Iranian nuclear facilities and military personnel. Baghaei emphasized that the U.S. cannot profess a willingness to negotiate while simultaneously allowing Israel to act aggressively against Iran, stating that such actions render dialogue "meaningless" (The Hill, The Hans India, Jagonews24).
Analysis
Baghaei's assertion is grounded in the context of ongoing military operations and diplomatic negotiations. His statement reflects a broader narrative within Iranian rhetoric that positions the U.S. as complicit in Israeli actions against Iran. The claim that Israel's military operations could not occur without U.S. approval is a common perspective in Iranian state discourse, which often frames U.S.-Israel relations as a partnership against Iranian interests (NBC News, Banglanews24).
However, the reliability of this assertion hinges on the interpretation of U.S. involvement. While U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have stated that the U.S. was not involved in the specific military actions taken by Israel, the historical context suggests a longstanding military and strategic alliance between the two nations (TIME, USA Today). This complicates the narrative, as while direct approval for specific strikes may not have been given, the U.S. has historically supported Israel's military capabilities and actions in the region.
Conclusion
The claim that Esmaeil Baghaei stated it is inconceivable that Israel could have committed its recent military actions without U.S. approval is True. Baghaei's assertion reflects a widely held view within Iranian political discourse, emphasizing the perceived complicity of the U.S. in Israeli military actions against Iran. While the U.S. has denied direct involvement in these specific operations, the historical context of U.S.-Israeli relations supports Baghaei's perspective that U.S. support underpins Israeli military actions.
Sources
- Iran shuffles on U.S. nuclear talks amid conflict with Israel - The Hill
- Iran says next round of nuke talks with US 'meaningless' - The Hans India
- Israel Warns 'Tehran Will Burn' After Trump's Own Caution - TIME
- Israel's aggression leaves no room for dialogue with US: Iran - Jagonews24
- Waves of airstrikes in Iran and Israel as exchange of fire ... - NBC News
- Israel's aggression makes dialogue with US 'meaningless': I - Banglanews24
- Israel threatens 'Tehran will burn' after Iran revenge strikes - USA Today
- Iran Dismisses Nuclear Talks With US After Israeli Airstrike - The Daily Guardian