Iran says US bears responsibility for regional escalation

Iran's Foreign Ministry said Monday that the United States bears direct responsibility for actions carried out by 'Israel' in the region and will be accountable for any resulting escalation.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei made the remarks in response to comments by the US President, Donald Trump, who said he was not informed in advance of 'Israel's' recent attacks on Beirut's southern suburbs and had urged Tel Aviv not to carry out such strikes.

Baghaei said Washington's responsibility should not be overlooked, noting that the US State Department had publicly described support for 'Israel' as a key reason behind the war imposed on Iran.

"That has been the official position of the United States," he said.

The spokesperson added that the US Central Command (CENTCOM) remains closely coordinated with 'Israel' in both defensive and offensive operations, despite statements from American officials suggesting otherwise.

Baghaei rejected suggestions that 'Israel' may be acting independently of Washington or disregarding US wishes, saying such interpretations have long been debated.

"What matters to us is that the responsibility of the United States, as a party to the April 8 ceasefire understanding, is clear," he said.

He added that any incident in the region, whether involving direct US actions, attacks on Iranian commercial vessels, strikes on southern areas of Iran, or operations carried out by 'Israel' in Lebanon, would ultimately fall under US responsibility.

Baghaei warned that any further escalation in regional tensions would carry consequences for which Washington would be held accountable.