Tensions in the Middle East are escalating as Iran declared it will not resume negotiations over its nuclear program as long as it faces military attacks from Israel.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, after a meeting with European diplomats in Geneva, said Tehran would be willing to negotiate only once “Israeli aggression” ceases.
His statement came just hours after the Israeli Defense Minister warned of a “prolonged campaign” against Iran, emphasizing that Israel must prepare for “difficult days.”
Meanwhile, fierce fighting continued overnight. The Israeli military announced a new wave of strikes targeting Iranian rocket infrastructure. Explosions were heard near Tel Aviv, and reports indicate a building in central Israel caught fire due to rocket debris.
U.S. President Donald Trump also warned that Iran has at most two weeks to avoid potential U.S. airstrikes, adding he might act even sooner.
“Israel is winning the war; it’s hard to ask for a halt to attacks on Iran,” Trump told reporters. “The EU is not helpful in negotiations,” the U.S. president declared.
Foreign ministers from the UK, France, Germany, and the EU urged Iran to engage in talks with all parties, including the U.S., even without the condition to stop the attacks.
On the other hand, Israel has stated it will not stop targeting Iranian nuclear sites until they are completely destroyed.
The bloody toll worsens daily: Iran announced at least 224 dead, while a human rights group reported over 600 victims. In Israel, the death toll reached 25 after a 20-rocket attack hit the city of Haifa.
