Iran has made it clear that it will not return to nuclear negotiations while it continues to face military attacks. This statement came shortly after Israel’s Defence Minister warned that the country could be involved in a “prolonged campaign” against the Islamic Republic.
Clashes Escalate Between Iran and Israel
On Friday, fierce fighting broke out once again. Iran launched a wave of missiles at northern parts of Israel. In retaliation, Israel struck multiple targets across Iranian territory.
In a recorded statement, Israeli Foreign Minister Eyal Zamir cautioned, “We must prepare ourselves for a prolonged campaign” and added that there were “difficult days ahead.”
Diplomatic Efforts in Geneva Meet Resistance
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met European diplomats in Geneva. These diplomats encouraged him to restart discussions with the United States about Iran’s nuclear programme. However, Araghchi made it clear that talks would only be possible once Israel ended its offensive. He maintained that Iran’s nuclear activities are peaceful and accused Israel of violating international laws.
“I make it crystal clear that Iran’s defence capabilities are non-negotiable,” Araghchi said. He also stressed that Iran had the right to defend itself and would continue to do so.
Israel Accuses Iran, Vows Continued Strikes
Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations called Iran a country with a “genocidal agenda” and a constant danger to the region. He stated that Israel would keep targeting Iranian nuclear sites until those facilities were “dismantled.”
Trump Issues Warning, Dismisses Europe’s Role
U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Iran, giving it up to two weeks to avoid potential U.S. air strikes. “I’m giving them a period of time, and I would say two weeks would be the maximum,” Trump told reporters. He added that he hoped the parties involved would “come to their senses.”
Trump also criticized the ongoing talks between Araghchi and European leaders, saying, “Iran doesn’t want to speak to Europe. They want to speak to us. Europe is not going to be able to help in this.”
European Leaders Urge Peaceful Dialogue
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy acknowledged that the U.S. had allowed a “short window of time” for a diplomatic resolution. He described the situation in the Middle East as “perilous and deadly serious.”
Jean-Noel Barrot, France’s Foreign Minister, said that European diplomats had encouraged Iran to engage in negotiations with all parties, including the U.S., even before the violence ends. He warned that a military solution to Iran’s nuclear programme was not possible and added, “It is dangerous to want to impose a regime change” in Iran.
Rising Death Toll and Military Strikes
The conflict continues to claim lives. On Friday, Iran fired 20 missiles at Haifa in northern Israel. One Israeli woman died of a heart attack during the assault, raising the total number of Israeli deaths to 25 since the conflict began.
In response, the Israel Defense Forces said they struck multiple locations in western Iran, targeting missile storage and launch facilities. Over the past week, Israeli air raids have damaged Iranian military infrastructure, destroyed weapons, and reportedly killed high-ranking military officers and nuclear scientists.
Iran’s Health Ministry announced that at least 224 people had been killed. However, a human rights organization reported a much higher unofficial death toll of 639 as of Thursday. Iran has launched hundreds of ballistic missiles toward Israel in retaliation.