Iran has signaled through diplomatic channels that it does not seek a widening regional war, even as it warns that the current actions of Israel and the United States could push the Middle East toward broader confrontation. This was conveyed by Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in an interview with a major international publication, reported by Finance Times.
He stressed that Tehran does not want to see the war escalate. Yet he warned that if the violence against civilians in Gaza and on the West Bank continues, Iran is prepared to consider all available options, which could lead to a larger regional flare-up. The message reflects Tehran’s concern about civilian casualties and the risk that continued military operations could destabilize neighboring states and the broader area (attribution: Iranian government statements, 2025).
Amir-Abdollahian added that Iran and the United States are exchanging messages through the Swiss Embassy in Tehran, and that direct negotiations between Tehran and Washington are not anticipated in the near term. This channel, he indicated, is a channel of communication rather than a path to immediate diplomatic breakthroughs (attribution: Iranian foreign ministry communications, 2025).
The foreign minister also commented on the risk of escalation involving Hezbollah, the Lebanon-based group backed by Tehran. He stated that Washington has not threatened Iran with consequences if Hezbollah joins any future expansion of the conflict, and he noted that U.S. calls urging Hezbollah to show restraint have not translated into decisive changes in the group’s posture. According to Amir-Abdollahian, while U.S. support for Israel contributes to rising tensions, Washington simultaneously urges restraint from others (attribution: remarks by the Iranian foreign minister, 2025).
On the broader regional outlook, Iran’s Foreign Ministry announced on November 10 that the conflict between Israel and Hamas is likely to broaden in scope. The ministry’s assessment points to a growing humanitarian and strategic toll as hostilities persist, with potential implications for neighboring states and global energy dynamics (attribution: Iranian Foreign Ministry, 2025).
In a separate briefing, officials emphasized that Iran does not seek further destabilization but underscored that the trajectory of the current crisis depends on actions taken by all involved parties. The statements reflect a deliberate attempt to position Tehran as a stabilizing voice while preserving the option to respond should conditions deteriorate. Observers note that the dynamic between Tehran, Washington, and their regional allies remains a critical variable in the unfolding crisis, with the Swiss conduit playing a central role in communication between the parties (attribution: multiple official statements, 2025).
Analysts caution that despite diplomatic channels, the likelihood of a rapid breakthrough remains limited. The record of recent months shows a pattern where verbal assurances and public appeals coexist with ongoing military activities and mutual deterrence. The situation continues to be characterized by careful balancing acts from Tehran, Washington, and their regional partners as they navigate competing objectives and the risk of miscalculation (attribution: expert commentary, 2025).