CGTN exclusive: Iran journalist says U.S. strike on nuclear sites closes door to diplomacy

In an exclusive interview with CGTN on Sunday, seasoned Iranian journalist and international affairs analyst Mehdi Latifi strongly condemned the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, calling the action "a closure of the door to diplomacy" and a violation of international norms.

Latifi has over 15 years of experience covering international affairs, with a focus on Iran's nuclear program, Europe, and the United States. He currently serves as the editor-in-chief for several prominent news agencies in Iran, including Azad News Agency.

Latifi said the strikes took place "while Iran and several European countries were engaged in negotiations to reach a diplomatic solution." He added pointedly, "The U.S. has closed the door to diplomacy by striking three Iranian nuclear sites."

According to Latifi, the strikes did not significantly damage Iran's nuclear infrastructure, as "the targeted sites had already been evacuated in advance, and there was almost no significant damage to people, the area, or residents." Still, he warned of a strong military response, "It is expected that in the coming hours and days, the Islamic Republic will respond to the U.S. militarily. Under these circumstances, American bases and forces in the region will be in very difficult conditions."

Latifi also criticized what he described as undue Israeli influence over American foreign policy. "As many analysts have acknowledged, much of the U.S. foreign policy in the region is dictated by the Israeli regime, and the attack on Iran was also dictated by Israel to the U.S.", he said.

He stressed that targeting nuclear sites in the middle of diplomatic talks undermines trust and breaches international agreements. "Targeting nuclear sites violates international laws of the NPT member countries."

Reflecting on the broader sentiment within Iran, Latifi noted widespread public skepticism toward American diplomatic intentions. "The people of Iran have never been optimistic about diplomacy with the U.S. from the very beginning. The experience with the JCPOA and the years that followed did not create a positive mindset among the people."

Despite these doubts, Iran had re-engaged in negotiations, according to Latifi, to show goodwill. "Iran once again entered negotiations to demonstrate its goodwill. What was the result? The U.S., with Israel's cooperation, bombed Iran's sensitive and critical nuclear sites in the middle of the talks. This is the reality of American diplomacy."

Latifi also expressed what many in Iran feel in the aftermath of the U.S. strikes, "There is absolutely no trust among the Iranian people towards the U.S., especially towards figures like Trump… Given this background and the aggressive actions taken, the window for genuine diplomacy has, regrettably, been almost entirely closed."

Calling on the global community for accountability, Latifi urged, "I ask intellectuals, analysts, and even politicians to assess where such actions align with the principles of diplomacy."