Iranian Parliament Spokesman Warns Israel, Claims U.S. Intelligence Role in Attacks

TEHRAN (AP) — An Iranian parliament official said Monday that the United States is seeking negotiations with Iran while simultaneously warning that Israel would face harsher consequences if it launches another attack on Beirut.

Ebrahim Rezaee, spokesman for the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, made the remarks in an official statement released early Monday morning. Rezaee asserted that U.S. intelligence agencies assisted Israel in recent attacks against Iranian territory, a claim that underscores deepening tensions in the region.

The statement came amid heightened diplomatic friction following a series of cross-border strikes. Rezaee indicated that Tehran is prepared to engage in talks with Washington, suggesting a potential shift in the diplomatic posture of the Islamic Republic. However, he coupled the offer of negotiation with a stern warning directed at Israeli military planners.

"If Israel attacks Beirut again, the punishment will be much harsher," Rezaee stated, referencing the capital of Lebanon as a flashpoint for regional conflict. The comment implies a direct link between Israeli actions in Lebanon and potential Iranian retaliation, signaling that Tehran views attacks on Hezbollah-controlled areas as acts of war against Iranian interests.

Rezaee’s allegations regarding U.S. involvement in Israeli military operations mark a significant escalation in rhetoric. He claimed that American intelligence provided critical support that enabled the strikes on Iranian soil. The United States has not publicly commented on the specific allegations made by the Iranian parliament official.

The timing of the statement follows a period of volatile exchanges between Tehran and Jerusalem. Regional analysts note that the mention of negotiations with the U.S. could indicate an internal debate within Iran regarding its strategic options. While hardline factions often reject direct engagement with Washington, the commission’s willingness to discuss talks suggests a complex diplomatic strategy aimed at de-escalation or leverage.

The situation remains fluid as diplomatic channels remain open but tense. It is unclear whether the United States will respond to the offer of negotiations or address the accusations of intelligence sharing. Furthermore, the specific nature of the "harsher punishment" threatened against Israel remains undefined, leaving military planners in Tel Aviv and Washington to assess the scope of potential Iranian capabilities.

Regional observers are monitoring the situation closely, noting that the convergence of negotiation offers and military threats creates a precarious environment. The Iranian parliament’s stance will likely influence the broader trajectory of Middle East diplomacy in the coming weeks, particularly as the international community seeks to prevent a wider conflagration involving multiple state and non-state actors.