In a significant escalation of regional tensions, Iran has declared that it will not engage in discussions regarding its nuclear program while it continues to face military attacks. This announcement comes on the heels of Israeli Defense Minister Eyal Zamir’s warning of a potential long-term conflict with the Islamic Republic.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi recently met with European diplomats in Geneva, who urged a revival of diplomatic efforts with the United States concerning Iran’s nuclear ambitions. However, in light of the ongoing military hostilities, Araghchi firmly stated that Iran would only consider diplomatic avenues once Israel ceases its aggressive actions.
Recent military actions and threats
The situation escalated further as the Israeli military launched a new offensive targeting Iranian missile storage and launch facilities. Reports indicate that explosions were heard near Tel Aviv, with shrapnel setting a building ablaze in central Israel. In response to these attacks, Iran has been firing missiles towards central Israeli locations.
“I make it crystal clear that Iran’s defence capabilities are non-negotiable,”
Araghchi emphasized the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program, labeling Israel’s actions as violations of international law and reaffirming Iran’s commitment to its right of self-defense. Meanwhile, Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations has accused Iran of pursuing a “genocidal agenda,” asserting that Israel would persist in targeting Iranian nuclear facilities until they are completely dismantled.
International diplomatic efforts
Amid these developments, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Iran, stating that the nation has a maximum of two weeks to alter its course to avoid potential American airstrikes. Trump expressed skepticism regarding the viability of talks between Araghchi and European foreign ministers, underscoring that Iran is primarily interested in negotiating with the U.S. rather than Europe.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy characterized the U.S.’s ultimatum as a “short window of time” to resolve the escalating Middle Eastern crisis, which he deemed “perilous and deadly serious.” French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, while supporting diplomatic initiatives, highlighted the necessity for Iran to engage in negotiations with all involved parties, including the U.S., without preconditions tied to military actions.
As the situation evolves, Israel has reported a new wave of missile attacks from Iran, with one Israeli woman succumbing to a heart attack, raising the Israeli death toll related to the conflict to 25. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have responded with airstrikes, targeting ballistic missile sites across western Iran, leading to significant casualties among Iranian forces and civilians.
According to reports from Iran’s health ministry, at least 224 people have lost their lives due to the ongoing conflict, while a human rights organization estimates a higher death toll of 639 as of Thursday. Amidst this turmoil, Iran has launched hundreds of ballistic missiles in retaliation against the Israeli airstrikes, indicating that tensions are unlikely to subside in the near future.