Why is Iran at the heart of conflicts in the Middle East?

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The Israeli ambassador to Brazil, Daniel Zonshine, stated this Thursday, the 19th, that “the Iranian plan to destroy Israel is real” and highlighted the importance of the American government’s actions to contain the Iranian nuclear threat. “The United States is a crucial element in this conflict and can do a lot, in many ways, to stop the Iranian plan,” he said in an interview with Coluna do Estadão.

Zonshine stressed that the United States can influence beyond military action. He noted that Israel is in contact with the Trump administration and sharing information.

On Thursday, President Donald Trump made it clear that he is waiting for a diplomatic solution to end Iran's nuclear program before ordering an attack on the country, and that he will decide on American entry into the conflict between Israel and Iran in the next two weeks.

In an interview with Coluna do Estadão, Daniel Zonshine emphasized that the development of Iran's nuclear project and the massive production of ballistic missiles represent a direct and unprecedented threat to Israel's security and existence. “Nothing less than that,” he reiterated.

According to the diplomat, Israel’s decision to act now was prompted by the recent intensification of Iran’s arms ambitions. “We had to act now, as Iran has accelerated its efforts in both channels in recent months,” he explained. He also stressed that Israel’s actions are being carried out systematically. “We act systematically to prevent this threat,” he stressed.

Trump says he will decide on US participation in war in two weeks

On Thursday, Trump met with his security cabinet and decided to wait two weeks before deciding on a US entry into the conflict between Israel and Iran . “Based on the fact that there is a substantial chance that negotiations may or may not occur with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision on whether or not to enter within the next two weeks,” he said in a text read by spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt.

On June 12, Iran said it had built and will activate a third nuclear enrichment facility, increasing tensions with the UN. The announcement came shortly after the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) censured Tehran for failing to comply with non-proliferation obligations designed to prevent it from developing a nuclear weapon.

Tehran condemned the vote, calling it political in a joint statement from its foreign ministry and national atomic energy agency.

US President Donald Trump had warned that Israel or the US could launch air strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities if negotiators failed to reach an agreement on the rapid advancement of Iran's nuclear program.