Israeli Ambassador to Vietnam Yaron Mayer emphasized his country's desire for peaceful coexistence with other nations, expressing readiness to seize the opportunity for negotiations with Iran if available.
"If there are any developments indicating that Iran wants to negotiate to reduce tensions, we will not hesitate to seize that opportunity," Israeli Ambassador Yaron Mayer stressed in a recent meeting with Vietnamese media earlier this week. "Unfortunately, under the ideology Tehran is currently pursuing, it's hard to see that happening."
Has Diplomatic Efforts Been Successful?
Tensions between Israel and the Islamic Republic of Iran have escalated following a series of recent incidents. Accusing Israel of attacking its embassy building in Syria on April 1, on the night of April 13, Iran launched a direct attack on Israel with missiles and drones.
Iranian officials asserted that this was a legitimate act of self-defense, in accordance with the United Nations Charter, emphasizing a lack of intent to seek conflict or escalate tensions in the region.
In the days following, the world anxiously monitored developments in the Middle East amid concerns that Tel Aviv would retaliate with an "intense response," potentially pushing the situation to uncontrollable levels.
In that context, the explosions in Isfahan - where Iran's important nuclear and military facilities are located - on the night of April 18 (local time, April 19 morning Vietnam time) quickly garnered attention.
International media described this as Israel's retaliation, despite the silence from Tel Aviv. In fact, even if Israel is indeed behind the incident, it would not speak out, considering past alleged attacks attributed to Israel in the Middle East.
Earlier, in a meeting with the media on April 16, Israel's Defense Attaché in Vietnam, Mr. Matan Sagi, hinted at "a response from Tel Aviv" but did not provide specifics.
Mr. Matan Sagi also affirmed that Israel has no intention of escalating the situation, stating that the country understands the impact of escalation on the world and will consider its next actions carefully.
"There needs to be a balance between defense and avoiding escalation. We believe that the question of how to avoid escalation is not only posed to Israel but also to Iran and all parties confronting us," Mr. Matan Sagi explained.
Iran's state media did not mention Israel in any news related to the incident on April 19. There were even reports of mini drones being shot down in Isfahan from within Iran.
The limited scale and Iran's response seem to indicate success in the efforts of diplomats, who have worked tirelessly to prevent a full-scale Iran-Israel war, according to Reuters.
"Israel Wants Peace with Palestine and Iran."
In a press briefing on April 16, Israeli Ambassador to Vietnam Yaron Mayer reiterated Tel Aviv's statements regarding Tehran.
Israel reiterated that it is not seeking conflict or escalation with Iran or any other party but reserves the right to self-defense against threatening actions.
"We want peace with all neighboring countries. We want to end the conflict with Palestine and Iran," emphasized Yaron Mayer, referring to the ongoing tensions between Israel and the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Hamas group of Palestine in the Gaza Strip.
Tel Aviv accuses Tehran of backing Hamas, the group that attacked Israel last October, resulting in nearly 1,400 deaths.
When asked by Tuoi Tre if there are any major plans for coexistence with Palestine and Iran, the Israeli Ambassador pointed out the diplomatic efforts of his country with nations that have previously confronted Tel Aviv in wars.
For example, Israel has normalized relations with Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
"The diplomatic efforts continue, even with countries that do not recognize Israel, we are still willing to talk to them, ready to have full diplomatic relations and comprehensive peace with them," Mr. Yaron Mayer affirmed.
However, according to the Israeli Ambassador, whenever Israel tries to pursue the peace process or make progress with other Arab neighboring countries, Iran will intervene in the process and do everything possible to obstruct it.
"We once had an embassy in Tehran, and there are still Jewish people living in Iran. Therefore, the issue is not the people of Iran but the regime in this country and the ideology they pursue. The regime wants to destroy Israel, not the people of Iran," he said.
With Israel being a small country and facing constant threats, Ambassador Yaron Mayer believes that Israel must develop technology and military capabilities to enhance its defense.
However, according to Yaron Mayer, Israel also possesses advanced technologies in agriculture, healthcare, and other fields that benefit many people. Israel is "ready to share, even with countries considered as enemies."
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