Daijiworld Media Network – Tehran

Tehran, Jul 13: Sunday marks a month since Israel launched military strikes inside Iran, targeting key nuclear and military sites. While the region has seen a fragile calm under a US-brokered ceasefire, signs of renewed tensions are re-emerging, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly hinting at possible future military action.

The mid-June strikes by Israel triggered a furious 12-day exchange of hostilities with Iran. The United States also joined the fray with targeted airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. The Wall Street Journal recently reported that Netanyahu, during a visit to the US earlier this month, told President Donald Trump that Israel would not hesitate to strike again if Iran resumed any nuclear weapons activity.

Iranian officials have strongly denied any such intent. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated on Saturday that Iran's nuclear program remains entirely peaceful. Speaking at a press conference in Tehran, he accused the US of undermining diplomatic efforts by joining Israel’s attacks, calling it a "betrayal of diplomacy."

Despite the fiery rhetoric, Araghchi maintained that Iran is still open to negotiations. However, he demanded clear assurances that Iran would not face further attacks if talks are to resume.

Casualty figures from the brief conflict continue to highlight the heavy toll. Iranian judicial authorities claim 943 people were killed in Israeli strikes, while Israel has reported 28 deaths resulting from Iranian retaliation.

Though both countries agreed to a ceasefire proposed by President Trump, the underlying tensions remain unresolved. Observers warn that unless a long-term diplomatic framework is established, the region could once again spiral into conflict.