Iran stated on Friday that it would refuse to discuss the future of its nuclear program while under attack by Israel. This statement came as European nations attempted to bring Tehran back to the negotiating table and the United States considered its potential involvement in the conflict.
A week after the initial strikes, the Israeli military reported new strikes against dozens of military targets overnight. These targets allegedly included missile production sites and a research organization based in Tehran, which is believed to be involved in nuclear weapons development.
Early Friday, Iran reportedly launched a barrage of missiles that struck near residential apartments, office buildings, and industrial facilities in the southern city of Beersheba.
The White House indicated on Thursday that US President Donald Trump would decide within the next two weeks “whether or not to go” with US involvement in the conflict. This decision hinges on the possibility of future negotiations involving Iran.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi asserted on Friday that there would be no negotiations with the United States, Israel’s key ally, “until Israeli aggression stops.”
However, Araqchi was scheduled to meet with European foreign ministers in Geneva later on Friday for discussions aimed at re-establishing a diplomatic path regarding Iran’s nuclear program.
Prior to the meeting involving France, Britain, Germany, and the European Union’s foreign policy chief, two diplomats stated that Araqchi would be informed that the US remains open to direct talks. However, diplomats tempered expectations, stating that a breakthrough is unlikely.
Israel initiated attacks on Iran last Friday, claiming that its long-time adversary was close to developing nuclear weapons.
Iran, maintaining its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes, retaliated with missile and drone strikes targeting Israel.
Israel is widely believed to possess nuclear weapons, though it maintains a policy of neither confirming nor denying their existence.
According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency, a US-based human rights organization that monitors events in Iran, Israeli air attacks have resulted in 639 deaths in Iran.
The casualties reportedly include high-ranking military officials and nuclear scientists.
