In the midst of a surging Israel–Iran confrontation, Tehran has bluntly dismissed any direct negotiation with Washington, declaring that “as long as the aggression does not stop, there will be no place for diplomacy.” The statement follows a dramatic escalation in military engagements across the region.
On June 13, Israel unleashed a wave of airstrikes and drone attacks targeting Iranian nuclear and military facilities, including the deep-buried Fordow enrichment site, forming part of “Operation Rising Lion.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the campaign aims not just to cripple Iran’s atomic and missile capabilities, but now also contemplates regime change
He asserted Israel can undertake further strikes independently of U.S. support, though American bunker-buster munitions and in-flight refuelling are believed to be critical
In response, Iran retaliated with hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones targeting Israeli cities and installations, including a hospital, reportedly injuring more than 200 civilians
President Trump has granted Iran a two-week window to cease hostilities, during which U.S. military presence in the region remains on high alert. He is said to be weighing whether to join Israeli operations, with a final decision expected within that period
Diplomats from Europe have convened in Geneva to pursue de-escalation, while Middle Eastern nations nervously prepare for broader violence. Iran’s top brass has rejected the U.S. proposal for direct talks and remains firm that any meaningful diplomacy must await a complete halt in Israeli military action .
Regional analysts caution that Israel’s objective of undermining Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei’s hold on power could spark internal instability in Iran, and possibly galvanise hardliners, if diplomacy continues to falter
With casualties mounting, estimates suggest over 600 fatalities in Iran and dozens in Israel, the world watches anxiously as the Middle East teeters on the brink of a wider war.President Trump has granted Iran a two-week window to cease hostilities, during which U.S. military presence in the region remains on high alert. He is said to be weighing whether to join Israeli operations, with a final decision expected within that period
Diplomats from Europe have convened in Geneva to pursue de-escalation, while Middle Eastern nations nervously prepare for broader violence. Iran’s top brass has rejected the U.S. proposal for direct talks and remains firm that any meaningful diplomacy must await a complete halt in Israeli military action .
Regional analysts caution that Israel’s objective of undermining Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei’s hold on power could spark internal instability in Iran, and possibly galvanise hardliners, if diplomacy continues to falter
With casualties mounting, estimates suggest over 600 fatalities in Iran and dozens in Israel—the world watches anxiously as the Middle East teeters on the brink of a wider war.