MINSK, May 16. /TASS/. The goal of the US and Israeli attack on Iran was to divide the country and reshape the geopolitical map of the region, Iranian Ambassador to Belarus Alireza Sanei told TASS in an interview.
"Their first and main goal was regime change. The next goal was to reshape the region’s geopolitics and divide Iran," he said. The United States also sought to undermine or destroy Iran’s missile arsenal and deprive the country of its drone capabilities, the diplomat added. "But, as you know, they failed to achieve their goals, and one could say they suffered a strategic defeat," Sanei said.
The United States and Israel launched the war against Iran on February 28. On April 7, US President Donald Trump announced a two-week mutual ceasefire. According to Tehran, 3,375 Iranians have been killed in US-Israeli strikes during the 40 days of the hostilities. On April 11, Tehran and Washington held talks in Islamabad, but the parties failed to reach an agreement on a long-term settlement to the conflict due to a number of disagreements. On April 21, the US leader announced his intention to extend the ceasefire with Iran. According to Iran’s state television, Tehran does not intend to recognize Washington’s unilateral ceasefire extension and will act in accordance with its own interests.