Israeli Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, on Monday said Israel is ready to stop hostilities against Iran if Tehran changes course. Speaking to reporters as the West Asia conflict entered its 17th day,
Azar said the future could be “brighter” if Iran recognises Israel and alters its stance.
“We are always for diplomacy. Unfortunately, we exhausted diplomacy to the extent that we had to take military action. We hope that diplomacy will be relevant again as a result of our military action,” he said.
Azar added that in recent days, Israel has consulted diplomatic channels, including the United States, regional partners, and even countries with which it does not have formal relations.
Through its military actions, Azar said, Israel has significantly degraded Iran’s missile and launching capabilities.
“Right now, we are controlling the skies of Iran. They are in dire straits,” he told reporters, adding, “The future will be “brighter” if Iran decides to “change course” and recognises Israel.”
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Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump confirmed on Sunday that the United States is in discussions with Iran, although he said Tehran is not yet ready for a deal.
“Yes, we’re talking to them… but I don’t think they’re ready. But they are getting pretty close,” Trump said aboard Air Force One.
The American leader added that while the US wants a deal, uncertainty remains over Iranian leadership after the first day of US-Israeli attacks on February 28, which reportedly killed Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei and other officials.
Iran, however, continues to reject the idea of negotiations. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told CBS’s “Face The Nation” that Tehran is not interested in talks with the United States.
“We are stable and strong enough. We are only defending our people. There is no good experience talking with Americans,” he said, pushing back on claims of possible diplomacy.
(With inputs from agencies)
