Iran Weighs Response After U.S. Joins Israel in Airstrikes: Rafsanjani Warns of Turning Point in Escalating Conflict

According to Saed News, in a stark warning issued amid the tenth day of the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, U.S. forces have formally entered the fray, striking Iran’s nuclear sites in three separate locations. Former Iranian official Mohammad Hashemi Rafsanjani says Tehran now faces a pivotal moment with far-reaching consequences. While U.S. President Donald Trump publicly claims to seek peace, he has also made clear that further targets remain if diplomacy fails.

The latest developments come alongside reports of widespread arrests of alleged spies and infiltrators across several Iranian cities. The Iranian security apparatus has launched sweeping crackdowns, and voices within the government are calling for swift execution of those accused of aiding the enemy.

“Trump Chose War While Diplomacy Was on the Table”

In an interview with Fararu, Mohammad Hashemi Rafsanjani—founding member of the Executives of Construction Party and veteran political analyst—criticized Trump’s decision to launch attacks amid ongoing diplomacy. "Iranian Foreign Ministry officials were engaged in talks with European counterparts when Trump opted for military escalation," Hashemi said.

He denounced the American president’s actions as not only reckless but illegal under both U.S. and international law. “He acted unilaterally, bypassing Congress and relying solely on advice from far-right U.S. hardliners,” Hashemi noted, adding that this reckless move undermines global diplomatic norms. "Behind-the-scenes motives in international politics are never transparent, but what is clear is that this attack is indefensible."

Iran’s Legal and Strategic Right to Respond

Hashemi emphasized Iran’s right to self-defense under international law and framed Tehran’s retaliatory strikes on Israeli targets as legitimate. “We are now at a historic crossroads. The leadership must make decisions that could determine the future of the region,” he said.

Comparing the current conflict to the 1980s Iran-Iraq War, Hashemi stressed key differences. “Back then, Western support for Saddam Hussein was mainly logistical and ideological. Today, we face direct military engagement. Israel has initiated this war with targeted assassinations of our commanders and nuclear scientists,” he said.

“Unlike Saddam’s conventional warfare, Israel is relying on covert sabotage and espionage—a war fought in the shadows with the help of traitors from within.”

Israel’s Strength Lies in Espionage, Not Military Might

Hashemi argued that Israel's operational success depends heavily on intelligence networks, not battlefield prowess. “It’s not Israeli firepower we should fear—it’s their spies. These infiltrators have enabled sabotage that would be impossible otherwise. Without them, Israel has no extraordinary military advantage.”

He claimed that Iran’s swift responses have already rattled Israeli leadership, pushing Prime Minister Netanyahu to lean on Trump for further support. “There’s no question Trump authorized the initial Israeli strike. But as this conflict evolves, we’re likely to see more international condemnation of U.S. and Israeli actions.”

A Shifting Global Landscape

Hashemi predicted a possible realignment in global sentiment. “During the eight-year war with Iraq, only Syria openly supported us. Today, as Netanyahu and Trump escalate this conflict, more countries may turn against them and toward Iran.”

While warning of grave dangers, Hashemi also offered a striking interpretation of Trump’s motives. “I believe this U.S. intervention is not meant to prolong the war—but to end it on Washington’s terms. Still, the method—an illegal, unilateral military assault—is indefensible.”

In conclusion, Hashemi stated, “Iran is fully committed to defending its sovereignty. Every response so far has been legally and morally justified. Our path remains grounded in legitimate resistance.”