Iran Rejects Nuclear Negotiations Amid Escalating Tensions; UN Atomic Agency Calls for Caution

In a firm stance, Iran has communicated its unwillingness to engage in discussions regarding its nuclear program while facing military aggression from Israel. This comes amid efforts from European nations to encourage Tehran to return to negotiations, and as the United States contemplates its involvement in the escalating conflict.

Israel, now a week into its military campaign, has reported targeting multiple military sites during an overnight operation. According to statements from the Israel Defense Forces, these strikes included missile production facilities, a research organization allegedly linked to nuclear weapons development, and various military installations across both western and central Iran.

As part of its commitment to establish air superiority, the Israel Defense Forces also targeted surface-to-air missile batteries located in southwestern Iran. Unfortunately, the strikes resulted in injuries, with reports confirming that at least five individuals sustained injuries when a five-story building in Tehran, home to a bakery and hairdresser, was hit.

A woman walks through the rubble of damaged buildings in Ramat Gan, Tel Aviv.

Rafael Grossi, director of the International Atomic Energy Agency, urged caution, stressing the dangers of military actions against nuclear facilities. “An armed attack on nuclear facilities could unleash radioactive fallout with severe ramifications that extend beyond the nation under attack,” he informed the UN Security Council.

Grossi’s remarks followed an Israeli military official’s retraction about an alleged strike on Bushehr, Iran’s only operational nuclear power plant. He stated he could neither confirm nor deny that the Russian-built facility had been targeted, while Iranian sources indicated their air defenses were activated in Bushehr without providing further details.

Israel maintains its objective to dismantle Iran’s nuclear capabilities but insists on avoiding any nuclear catastrophe. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres echoed this sentiment, warning that the ongoing Iran-Israel hostilities could provoke uncontrollable repercussions, urging all involved to “give peace a chance.”

As the situation unfolds, the White House stated that President Donald Trump is expected to make a decision on US involvement in the conflict within the next two weeks.

Recent reports from Fars news agency detailed that Iran conducted missile and drone strikes employing long-range, ultra-heavy missiles targeting military sites, defense industries, and command centers, resulting in at least two injuries as per Israeli ambulance services.

The aftermath of Israel’s recent attack on Iran’s state broadcaster highlights the rising tensions in the region.

In a signal of the growing apprehension regarding potential strikes on energy facilities, Qatar held urgent discussions this week with major energy firms, according to sources familiar with the situation.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi asserted that there would be no negotiations with the US “until Israeli aggression ceases.” Nevertheless, he traveled to Geneva for discussions with European foreign ministers, where Europe’s intention is to carve a path back to diplomatic engagement regarding Iran’s nuclear program.

Prior to his meeting with representatives from France, Britain, Germany, and the EU’s foreign policy chief, diplomats indicated that Araqchi was to be informed of the US’s readiness for direct talks. However, expectations for a significant breakthrough are tempered, with low hopes among diplomats.

According to a senior Iranian official, Tehran is open to discussing restrictions on uranium enrichment but remains firm in its rejection of any proposals for complete cessation of enrichment activities, particularly amid ongoing Israeli aggression.

Thousands of Iranians have taken to the streets in major squares of Tehran, protesting Israel’s recent military actions.

Israel’s offensive began last Friday, premised on the assertion that Iran was on the brink of developing nuclear weapons. Conversely, Iran contends that its nuclear aspirations are solely peaceful, retaliating with missile and drone strikes aimed at Israel.

While Israel is widely believed to possess nuclear weapons, it neither confirms nor denies this assertion. The Human Rights Activists News Agency has reported that Israeli airstrikes have resulted in the deaths of 639 individuals in Iran, impacting high-ranking military officials and nuclear scientists alike. In contrast, Israeli authorities report that 24 civilians have died due to Iranian missile attacks.

The fluctuating dynamics of this conflict have seen President Trump oscillate between issuing threats toward Tehran and urging it to reinitiate nuclear discussions. His special envoy, Steve Witkoff, has reportedly communicated with Araqchi several times since last week, signalling ongoing engagement.

The Trump administration has also announced new Iran-related sanctions aimed at disrupting Tehran’s attempts to procure dual-use technology.

Observers note that Israeli efforts appear directed at undermining the government of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Meanwhile, Iranian opposition groups sense a potential window for influence; however, activists involved in prior protests express hesitance to incite massive unrest while their nation is under attack.

Iranian state media has reported demonstrations in various cities, referring to them as expressions of “solidarity and resistance.”

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.