Iran has issued a stern warning to the United States government, declaring that it would be held responsible for any attack on its nuclear sites by the Israeli government.

The warning follows a report by CNN suggesting that Israel is preparing a possible strike on the sites if the deal with US President, Donald Trump fails.

Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, said this in a letter to the United Nations, published on Thursday.

The letter reads, ?We believe that in the event of any attack on the nuclear facilities of the Islamic Republic of Iran by the Zionist regime, the US government will also be involved and bear legal responsibility.?

The CNN report, released on Tuesday, cited new U.S. intelligence indicating that Israel is making preparations to strike Iran?s nuclear sites. While Israel has not publicly confirmed any such plans, officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have frequently threatened military action to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, should it decide to pursue one.

In a parallel warning, Iran?s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) vowed a forceful retaliation if attacked.

?They are trying to frighten us with war but are miscalculating as they are unaware of the powerful popular and military support the Islamic Republic can muster in war conditions,? IRGC spokesperson Alimohammad Naini said, according to Iranian state media.

The warnings come as Tehran and Washington prepare for a fifth round of nuclear negotiations scheduled for Friday in Rome. However, strong disagreements persist, especially regarding uranium enrichment, which the U.S. claims could be a pathway to developing nuclear weapons?an allegation Iran firmly denies.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Tuesday condemned U.S. demands for a halt to uranium enrichment. ?US demands that Tehran stop enriching uranium are excessive and outrageous,? he said, according to state media, expressing skepticism over the prospects for a new nuclear agreement.

Diplomatic sources suggest that a breakdown in the ongoing U.S.-Iran talks, or a deal that fails to address Israel?s concerns about Iran?s nuclear ambitions, could increase the likelihood of Israeli military action against Iran, its long-standing regional rival.

Tehran insisted its nuclear program is solely for civilian purposes.

However, tensions between Iran and Israel have escalated in recent years, including direct exchanges of fire in April and October of last year, raising fears of a broader regional conflict. (Nigerian Tribune)

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