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The BBC news article, "US-Iran Tensions Rise After Top Nuclear Scientist Assassinated," reported on the recent assassination of Iran's top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh. The killing, which was blamed on Israel, has resulted in an escalation of tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
The incident follows a series of disputes between the two countries. In 2018, President Donald Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers. Since then, the two countries have been at loggerheads over a number of issues including Iran's continued development of ballistic missiles and its support for armed groups in the Middle East.
In response to the assassination, Iranian leaders vowed revenge. Iran's foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, said the attack "will not go unanswered." Iran also accused the U.S. and Israel of being behind the killing.
Meanwhile, the U.S. condemned the killing and called on Iran to halt its nuclear weapons program. The Biden administration has stated that it is open to diplomacy with the Iranian government. However, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has warned that America will continue to apply pressure on Iran if it does not comply with international law.
The assassination of Fakhrizadeh could lead to further instability in the region. The risk of conflict has increased, and the result could be more unrest, economic disruption, and even war. The current situation is extremely delicate and only time will tell what effect the killing will have.
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