Fri May 23 02:40:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
Tensions are escalating between Iran, Israel, and the United States over Iran’s nuclear program. Iran warns Israel against any attack on its nuclear facilities, promising a devastating response. Iran also holds the U.S. responsible if Israel attacks, citing intelligence reports suggesting Israel is preparing for strikes. This comes ahead of a fifth round of nuclear talks between the U.S. and Iran, where deep divisions remain over uranium enrichment. Iran insists its program is for civilian purposes and will not accept demands to cease uranium enrichment entirely, while Israel opposes any deal that allows Iran to continue enriching uranium.
**News Article:**
**Iran Warns of “Devastating” Response to Israeli Attack, Holds US Responsible**
**Tehran, Iran** – Amid rising tensions over its nuclear program, Iran has issued a stark warning to Israel, promising a “devastating and decisive response” should Israel launch an attack on Iranian nuclear facilities. The warning came from both Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), signaling the seriousness of the threat.
The threat followed a report by CNN that the US possesses intelligence indicating Israel is preparing potential strikes against Iranian nuclear sites. Araghchi stated in a letter to the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, that Iran will view the United States as a “participant” in any such attack.
Araghchi also called on the international community to take preventive measures against Israeli threats, warning that if unchecked, Iran will take “special measures” to defend its nuclear facilities.
These developments coincide with a fifth round of indirect nuclear talks between the U.S. and Iran, scheduled to take place on Friday in Rome. The talks aim to revive the 2015 nuclear deal, with the US seeking to limit Iran’s uranium enrichment program in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions. However, significant disagreements persist, particularly regarding uranium enrichment. Iran insists its program is for civilian purposes and rejects demands to halt enrichment entirely.
“If the US aims to end uranium enrichment, then there will be no nuclear deal,” Araghchi said in an interview.
Israel has consistently opposed any agreement that allows Iran to continue enriching uranium, with Israeli officials repeatedly threatening military action to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
The IRGC, reporting directly to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, echoed the foreign minister’s warnings, stating that Israel would face a “devastating and decisive response” to any attack.