Oman, the mediator in the latest US-Iran talks regarding Tehran’s accelerating nuclear program, announced on Saturday that the planned discussions would not proceed. This announcement coincided with Iran launching another missile barrage, a day after Israel’s intense strike on Iranian nuclear and military installations.
Both the Israeli military and Iranian state television reported on the latest missile launches, as explosions were reported over Israeli territories, including Tel Aviv.
The Israeli military confirmed it was currently targeting “military targets” in Tehran.
Jordan has reportedly closed its airspace.
Israel’s continued and “widespread strikes” within Tehran and surrounding areas have presented Iran’s remaining leadership with a weighty decision: whether to risk deeper conflict with Israel’s superior military forces or seek a diplomatic resolution.
Oman’s Foreign Minister, Badr al-Busaidi, stated on social media that the sixth round of indirect nuclear discussions scheduled for Sunday “will not now take place,” emphasizing that “diplomacy and dialogue remain the only pathway to lasting peace.”
Despite the postponement, “we remain committed to talks and hope the Iranians will come to the table soon,” stated a senior US official, who wished to remain anonymous in order to discuss the ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Ignoring urgent calls from global leaders to de-escalate and avoid a full-scale war, both Israel and Iran have indicated that further attacks are imminent.
China’s Foreign Minister described the attack on nuclear sites as setting a “dangerous precedent.”
The region is already highly volatile as Israel intensifies its efforts to eliminate Hamas, the Iranian-backed militant group in Gaza, following 20 months of conflict.
