Zelensky: I would support operation against regime in Iran, not against people
President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his support for the operation against the regime in Iran, which seeks to attack other countries and deprives its own population of their rights, while stressing that it is better to resolve the situation through diplomatic means.
The head of state said this in an interview with Sky News, Ukrinform reports, citing the Telegram channel of the Office of the President.
"I think people in Iran are looking for help to change the current regime, which openly wants to attack other countries and causes a lot of damage. This regime has been in place for many years. People have no rights. People disappear. People are killed and executed by the thousands. I would support an operation against the regime, not against the people. That's a big difference," the head of state said.
He noted that the US and the Iranian regime are currently in talks, adding that this path is better than war.
“But I'm not sure that the current regime sincerely shares this idea. I'm not sure. But we'll see,” Zelensky said.
As reported by Ukrinform, US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that Iran is resuming its nuclear program despite the destruction of relevant facilities as a result of US bombing in June last year. He stressed that his first priority is diplomacy, but added that he will not allow Iran to obtain nuclear weapons.
Oman's Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi believes that the US and Iran made “significant progress” in Geneva on Thursday in negotiations on Iran's nuclear program. However, the American side did not comment on the course of the negotiations, which indicates a lack of significant achievements.
According to media reports, US Central Command Commander Admiral Brad Cooper briefed the US president on Thursday on military options for action against Iran. Among the options being considered is a limited strike on ballistic missile launchers and nuclear facilities as a warning to force Tehran to agree to Washington's demands. A large-scale operation involving strikes on a large number of targets over a long period of time is also being discussed.
In early January, Iranian security forces brutally suppressed mass protests in the country, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths, according to various estimates.
In February, anti-government protests involving students resumed in Iran.
Photo: OP