Iran Rejects Nuclear Dialogue Following Israel's Military Strike
Amid heightened regional tensions, Iran has dismissed nuclear negotiations with the United States as "meaningless" in the wake of what it describes as Israel's largest military strike on Iranian territory. Tehran sharply accused Washington of endorsing the Israeli offensive, a charge the US has denied while urging Iran to resume talks.
Tehran Points Finger at US for Supporting Israeli Attacks
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, criticized the US for backing what he called a betrayal in diplomacy. He stated, "You cannot claim to negotiate and at the same time divide work by allowing the Zionist regime to target Iran's territory." Baghaei suggested that the Israeli strike would not have occurred without American approval, highlighting perceived interference in the diplomatic process.
US Urges Return to Negotiations Despite Rising Hostilities
Contrasting Iran's stance, the US emphasized the importance of dialogue. Speaking at the United Nations Security Council, American officials encouraged Tehran to re-engage in nuclear discussions, describing it as "wise" to continue negotiations. However, the prospects for the upcoming talks remain uncertain after the recent flare-up.
Trump Claims Credit for Setting the Stage
Adding complexity to the situation, former US President Donald Trump asserted that his 60-day ultimatum to Iran prepared the ground for Israel’s recent actions. Posting on social media, Trump wrote, "Two months ago I gave Iran a 60-day ultimatum to 'make a deal.'" Meanwhile, official US representatives have denied any direct involvement in the Israeli strike.
Upcoming Nuclear Talks in Muscat Now in Doubt
The sixth round of nuclear negotiations between the US and Iran was scheduled to take place in Muscat. However, following the recent hostilities, the continuation of these talks remains in question. Iran responded to Israel’s offensive by launching missile and drone strikes targeting Israeli territory, escalating the conflict further.
Iran's Stance on Its Nuclear Program
Iran maintains that its uranium enrichment efforts serve purely civilian purposes, rejecting accusations from Israel that it seeks to develop nuclear weapons covertly. This long-standing dispute fuels much of the regional instability and complicates diplomatic resolutions.
Experts Suggest Israel is Aiming to Disrupt US-Iran Negotiations
Analysts believe Israel's military actions are intended to undermine the nuclear talks between the US and Iran. The goal appears to be to prevent any diplomatic progress that might ease international pressure on Tehran, keeping Iran’s nuclear ambitions under stringent scrutiny.
