Iran warns of total war if nuclear sites are attacked

Iran has issued a strong warning, saying that if any attacks are made on its nuclear facilities, it could lead to a full-blown war. 

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made this statement during an interview with Al Jazeera on Friday, stressing that any military strike by Israel or the United States would have serious consequences for the entire region.

Araghchi said, 

"A military strike on Iran‍‍`s nuclear facilities would be one of the biggest mistakes in U.S. history. Iran will respond swiftly and severely, and that retaliation will escalate into a complete war across the region."

The concerns from Iran have grown since Donald Trump became President of the United States. 

Iran fears that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could convince Trump to allow an attack on their nuclear sites, and they also expect Trump to impose stricter sanctions on the country.

While visiting Qatar, Araghchi has already held talks with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, in Doha. These talks focused on regional issues.

In addition to meeting with Qatari officials, Araghchi also met with Hamas leaders, where he remarked, 

"Despite Israel‍‍`s aggression, Palestinians in Gaza have achieved ‘victory.’ Even though the world witnessed horrific massacres and destruction, the Palestinian people have remained firm in their land, standing by their values and principles. I see this as a victory."

Regarding the possibility of Trump serving a second term and the ongoing tensions between Iran and the U.S., Araghchi said,

"The history of Iran-U.S. relations is filled with hostility and mistrust."

He further blamed Trump for withdrawing from the nuclear deal during his first term and accused him of ordering the assassination of General Qassem Soleimani, who was the commander of the Quds Force in Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).