Tensions Escalate as Iran Refuses Nuclear Talks Amid Ongoing Attacks

Iran has said it will not return to nuclear talks while under attack, just hours after Israel’s defense minister warned the conflict with Iran could last a long time. Fighting between the two countries continued through the night, with explosions reported near Tel Aviv and damage caused by falling missile debris.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with European diplomats in Geneva, where he made it clear that Iran would only consider diplomatic talks after Israel halts its military strikes. He insisted that Iran's nuclear program is peaceful and accused Israel of violating international law. “Iran’s defense is not up for negotiation,” he said, adding that the country would continue to defend itself.

Meanwhile, Israel's Defense Minister Eyal Zamir said the country must prepare for a long conflict and warned that more difficult days were ahead. The Israeli army has launched a new wave of airstrikes targeting Iranian missile storage and launch sites in response to Iranian attacks, including a barrage of 20 missiles fired at Haifa on Friday.

Israel’s ambassador to the UN accused Iran of having a “genocidal agenda” and repeated that Israel will keep targeting Iranian nuclear facilities until they are completely dismantled.

U.S. President Donald Trump said Iran has a maximum of two weeks to avoid potential American airstrikes. He indicated that a decision could come even sooner, depending on how events unfold. Trump also criticized the European diplomatic effort, saying, “Iran wants to talk to us, not Europe.”

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the current moment is extremely dangerous and that the U.S. has given a short opportunity to solve the crisis diplomatically. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot urged Iran to consider negotiations without waiting for the fighting to stop and warned that military action alone cannot solve the nuclear issue.

The death toll continues to rise. Israel has now lost 25 people, including one woman who died of a heart attack during a missile attack. Iran's health ministry has confirmed at least 224 deaths, but independent groups say the number could be much higher, possibly as many as 639.

Iran has responded to Israeli airstrikes by launching hundreds of ballistic missiles, while Israel continues to strike Iranian military and nuclear sites. Both sides appear far from a peaceful resolution, as the risk of further escalation remains high.