Israel's recent provocations in Syria are aimed at destroying any chance of the Iran nuclear agreement surviving without the United States and are reminiscent of similar failed tactics pursued before the landmark deal was struck, according to an Iranian news agency.
"In the lead-up to negotiations between Iran and Europe about continuing the JCPOA, Israel is seeking to torpedo the talks even before they begin," ISNA wrote in a commentary on Friday, referring to salvaging the the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.
US President Donald Trump on May 8 announced a decision to pull Washington out of the international agreement with Tehran and revive US economic sanctions, much to the chagrin of European allies that have significant trade links with Iran.
The deal limits the country's nuclear work in return for relief from economic sanctions.
Europe's Commitment
European signatories—namely Germany, France and Britain—remain committed to the accord, and, according to Reuters, the three countries' foreign ministers will meet on Tuesday to discuss ways to keep the 2015 agreement alive. Iran's Foreign Ministry officials are also set to hold meetings with the remaining parties.
Israel, emboldened by Trump's decision, has in recent days carried out a barrage of unprovoked air attacks on what it claims were Iranian bases in war-torn Syria, stirring fears of a possible regional flare-up.
It has accused Iran of launching rockets against army positions on the Israeli-held Golan Heights.
Iran says it has military advisers and volunteers in Syria but denies having a conventional force on the ground. It has supported Syria’s right to defend itself against aggression from Israel.
Planned Timing
ISNA's commentary says the timing of Israel's military adventures in Syria has been chosen to coincide with European powers' efforts to salvage the nuclear deal, which has caused a split between the US and its European allies.
"It is clear that the Zionist regime is seeking short-term goals in its attacks against Syria," it noted.
Israel does not want to get sucked into the conflict because it understands that the occupied territories will turn into a "burning hell" if the war spills over its borders.
"Israel is well aware that resistance forces inside Syria and Lebanon are capable of firing powerful missiles on Israeli targets. And Israel, at its best, will be able to intercept maximum 30 to 40 percent of them, and the rest will hit the targets given the small geographical area of the Israeli-occupied territories."
Policy of Provocation
According to the news agency, a similar policy of provocation and pressure was pursued by the occupying power during Iran's negotiations with the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council—the US, Britain, France, China and Russia—plus Germany before the signing of the nuclear agreement.
"This Israeli tactic was often tested during Iran's nuclear negotiations with the P5+1 but failed to produce any results," the commentary concluded.
