Iran has declared it will not return to the negotiating table over its nuclear programme until Israel halts its military offensives, as fighting between the two countries intensifies.
Speaking after meeting with European diplomats in Geneva, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected renewed calls to revive diplomacy with the United States. “Iran is ready to consider diplomacy only once Israel’s aggression is stopped,” he said, insisting that the country’s nuclear programme remains peaceful and that Iran will continue to “exercise its legitimate right of self-defence.”
The statement came just hours after Israeli Defence Minister Eyal Zamir warned of a “prolonged campaign” against Iran, saying Israel was bracing for “difficult days ahead.” Israeli forces launched a new wave of airstrikes targeting Iranian missile storage and launch sites following a barrage of Iranian ballistic missiles aimed at central Israel, some of which caused fires and damage near Tel Aviv.
Israel also reported that 20 missiles struck the northern port city of Haifa on Friday, raising fears of wider escalation. An Israeli woman died of a heart attack during the attacks, bringing the country’s death toll to 25 since the conflict began.
The Israel Defense Forces confirmed strikes on Iranian missile infrastructure in western Iran, which they claim is part of efforts to dismantle Tehran’s nuclear capability. Iran’s health ministry reported 224 deaths from Israeli airstrikes, while independent rights groups estimate the toll could be as high as 639.
Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations accused Iran of pursuing a “genocidal agenda” and vowed that strikes on nuclear facilities would continue until they are completely dismantled.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stark ultimatum to Tehran, stating that Iran has a “maximum” of two weeks to avoid potential American military action. “I’m giving them a period of time, and I would say two weeks would be the maximum,” he told reporters. Trump also dismissed Europe’s diplomatic efforts, stating, “Iran doesn’t want to speak to Europe. They want to speak to us.”
Despite this, European powers urged Iran to engage in talks without preconditions. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy described the current window for de-escalation as “perilous and deadly serious,” while French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot warned that military action alone cannot resolve the nuclear standoff. “There can be no definitive solution through military means,” Barrot said, calling any push for regime change in Iran “dangerous.”
As missile strikes continue on both sides, the prospects for a peaceful resolution remain uncertain, with the region teetering on the brink of a wider war.
Written By Rodney Mbua
