Geneva (TDI): Iran announced on Friday that it will not return to nuclear talks with the United States as long as Israeli airstrikes continue, signaling a hardening stance amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
The announcement came on a day of fresh turmoil, as loud explosions were reported in Tehran. Iranian media, including the semi-official Fars news agency, said the country’s air defense systems had been activated in response to what they described as “hostile activity,” while Israel continued its aerial offensive and Iran responded with missile launches of its own.
In a televised message, Israel’s military chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir told the Israeli public to prepare for a drawn-out conflict. “We must be ready for a prolonged campaign,” he said, noting that while the Israeli military had scored key gains, more challenges were likely in the days ahead.
Diplomats from France, Germany, and the UK met with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Geneva in a bid to salvage what remains of the nuclear diplomacy framework.
Speaking after the talks, Araghchi made Iran’s position clear: “Tehran is not ready to resume any discussions with Washington unless the aggression ends,” he said. However, he signaled that Iran remained open to dialogue with the European powers and expressed willingness to meet again soon.
Read More: China, Russia Slam Israeli Attacks on Iran, Call for Ceasefire
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, who participated in the Geneva meeting, said the European trio urged Iran to restart dialogue with all parties, including the United States, without waiting for a complete ceasefire, although he acknowledged that such a pause in violence was also urgently needed.
Barrot added that the situation could not be resolved by military action alone. “There can be no lasting solution to the Iranian nuclear issue through force,” he said, cautioning against any attempt to push for regime change in Tehran.
Read More: Pakistan Urges Global Action Against Israel Over Iran Strikes
His remarks followed statements from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier this week, in which he refused to rule out targeting Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, a position that drew concern from European leaders.
As tensions rise, the diplomatic path appears more complicated than ever, with Iran standing firm on its conditions, Israel vowing continued military pressure, and global powers scrambling to prevent a wider regional war.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
