Iran Refuses Nuclear Talks Amid Israeli Strikes

Iran has firmly ruled out resuming nuclear negotiations as long as Israeli attacks continue, escalating tensions in a conflict already marked by intensifying missile exchanges and diplomatic breakdowns. The announcement came just hours after Israeli Defense Minister Eyal Zamir warned of a “prolonged campaign” against Iran.

Tehran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, speaking after a diplomatic meeting with European representatives in Geneva, declared that Iran would not return to the table until Israel ends what he described as “aggression” violating international law. He insisted that Iran’s nuclear programme remains peaceful and non-negotiable under pressure.

H2: Escalating Iran-Israel Conflict

H3: Operation ‘Rising Lion’ Intensifies

Israel has continued its military campaign under Operation Rising Lion, launching a new wave of airstrikes on Iranian missile storage and launch facilities. Explosions rocked areas near Tel Aviv late Friday, with shrapnel reportedly causing fires in central districts. Iran retaliated by launching five ballistic missiles into Israeli territory, though no direct impact has been confirmed.

Iranian state media reported that an Israeli strike on the city of Qom resulted in the death of a 16-year-old and injuries to two others. Another attack targeted Isfahan, a city with nuclear significance.

H3: Civilian Toll and Regional Reactions

Iran’s Health Ministry reported at least 224 fatalities since the start of the Israeli offensive, while independent human rights monitors claim the death toll may have surpassed 650. Israel reports 25 civilian deaths, including a recent fatal heart attack during a missile barrage on Haifa.

H2: Diplomatic Efforts Falter

H3: Geneva Talks Under Strain

Despite European diplomats urging Tehran to reconsider talks, Araghchi emphasized that dialogue would only resume once hostilities cease. He is expected to meet Arab League envoys in Istanbul on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Israeli officials remained defiant. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar told Bild newspaper that Israeli strikes had set back Iran’s nuclear program by two years and vowed continued military pressure until nuclear facilities are “dismantled.”

H3: US Sets Ultimatum

President Donald Trump added to the urgency, giving Iran a two-week ultimatum to engage diplomatically or face potential US airstrikes. “They have a maximum of two weeks,” Trump stated, suggesting military options are on the table if no progress is made.

Trump also dismissed the Geneva dialogue as ineffective, claiming that “Iran doesn’t want to speak to Europe. They want to speak to us.”

H2: European Appeals for Restraint

H3: EU Warns Against Military Solutions

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy acknowledged the danger of the situation, calling it “perilous and deadly serious.” French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot echoed these concerns, insisting that military action would not provide a lasting solution to the Iran nuclear talks crisis.

Barrot warned that attempting regime change in Iran would be a dangerous miscalculation and encouraged Tehran to pursue negotiation without preconditions.

H2: Rising Risks and Regional Fallout

As both Iran and Israel trade blows, civilians across the Middle East are bearing the brunt of the fallout. Missiles over cities, air raid sirens, and strained infrastructure signal a region on edge. Some Iranians have begun fleeing to neighboring countries like Armenia, fearing an all-out war.

The growing conflict raises questions about international involvement, with speculation mounting about potential US military engagement and how Europe might respond.

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