Iran Rules Out Nuclear Talks Amid Escalating Hostilities with Israel
Iran has firmly stated that it will not resume negotiations over its nuclear program while it continues to face military aggression, intensifying fears of a wider Middle East conflict.
The announcement came just hours after Israel’s Defense Minister warned of a “prolonged campaign” against the Islamic Republic.
The region was rocked again on Friday as fierce fighting unfolded, with Iran launching a wave of missiles at northern Israel while Israel retaliated by targeting numerous strategic sites across Iranian territory.
In a video statement, Israeli Foreign Minister Eyal Zamir warned the Israeli public to brace for “difficult days ahead” and signaled that the country is preparing for a drawn-out conflict with Iran.
Meanwhile, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with European diplomats in Geneva, where he was urged to revive diplomatic discussions—particularly with the United States—regarding Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.
Araghchi pushed back, declaring that Iran would only return to the negotiating table once Israeli “aggression” ceases.
“Our nuclear program is peaceful,” he asserted. “Israel’s actions are blatant violations of international law.
As long as these attacks continue, Iran will exercise its legitimate right to self-defense.”
Araghchi added emphatically:
“Iran’s defense capabilities are not up for negotiation. We will not compromise our sovereignty under threats or bombardment.”
Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations responded by accusing Iran of harboring a “genocidal agenda” and reiterated that Israel would continue to target Iranian nuclear infrastructure until it is “fully dismantled.”
Tensions escalated further when U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters that Iran has “a maximum of two weeks” to avoid potential American military strikes. He hinted that a decision could come sooner, depending on Iran’s actions.
“They’ve got a short window,” Trump said. “Europe can’t solve this. Iran wants to speak with us—not the EU.”
Trump’s remarks were met with concern from European leaders. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy described the situation as “deadly serious,” warning of a limited opportunity to de-escalate the conflict.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot added that “there is no military solution to the Iranian nuclear issue,” and warned against any attempts to force regime change in Tehran.
Despite the diplomatic push, fighting on the ground continues unabated.
On Friday, Iran launched another barrage of 20 missiles targeting the northern Israeli city of Haifa, resulting in at least one fatality—a woman who suffered a heart attack during the assault. This brings the Israeli death toll since the conflict began to 25.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported counterattacks on Iranian ballistic missile storage and launch facilities located in the country’s western regions.
Over the past week, Israeli airstrikes have reportedly destroyed multiple military installations and claimed the lives of senior Iranian commanders and nuclear scientists.
Iran’s Ministry of Health has confirmed at least 224 deaths resulting from Israeli airstrikes, while an independent human rights organization put the unofficial death toll much higher—at 639, as of Thursday.
As both sides escalate military action and diplomacy falters, international observers warn that the situation may spiral into a broader regional war unless immediate efforts are made to rein in hostilities.
Iran Rules Out Nuclear Talks Amid Escalating Hostilities with Israel