(VOVWORLD) - Iran vowed on Monday to retaliate ferociously against any attack by the United States in response to President Donald Trump's threat of limited strikes.
 Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei at a press conference in Tehran (Photo: Reuters) |
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei rejected rumors about the chance of reaching an interim nuclear deal in indirect talks between Iran and the United States. Baghaei said that if both sides demonstrate goodwill, "we hope that within the next two to three days, we will be able to hold another round of talks." He said Iran is determined to pursue diplomacy but will never accept giving up its legitimate rights.
The European Union on Monday called for a diplomatic solution ahead of upcoming talks. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said the region does not need another conflict and stressed that this is the time to pursue diplomatic efforts.
The US Embassy in Lebanon evacuated dozens of staff members on Monday as a precautionary measure, according to Lebanon’s televidion LBC, as two aircraft carrier strike groups led by USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln arrived at the island of Crete in the Mediterranean.
At a debate in Israel’s parliament on Monday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that any Iranian attack on Israel would be a historic mistake. His remarks came after Iranian officials threatened ballistic missile strikes against Israel if the United States attacks Iran.