Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has categorically rejected talks with the US. He powerfully notes the continued, ruthless, and expansive Israeli military actions as an irresistible obstacle to any sort of diplomatic engagement. Araqchi insisted that leaders in Tehran understand the US as a partner of Israel in any atrocities against Iran. They strongly dismiss any reopening of dialogue until such storm-trooper-like actions cease.
Retaliation hit the boiling point last week as the Israel Defense Forces launched widespread air bombardments of Iranian military bases. According to a new report from the Human Rights Law Center, these operations resulted in at least 657 people being killed. Furthermore, 2,037 others were injured. The headquarters of Iran’s SPND—the military research and development organization responsible for their nuclear weapons program—was among the targeted sites. The Arak heavy-water reactor met the same fate. Despite the reactor’s destruction, Iranian state television went on to erroneously assert that there was “no radiation danger at all” from the reactor. They claimed it was evacuated in advance of the attacks occurring.
In the most dramatic, provocative flourish, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz called for a “regime change” in Iran. He announced that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei “is no longer acceptable to live.” His comments are indicative of a larger Israeli strategy to counter Iranian influence across the region. Katz further warned that Hezbollah, Iran’s ally in Lebanon, should be cautious in its actions, stating, “I suggest that the Lebanese proxy be careful and understand that Israel has lost patience with terrorists who threaten it.”
The violence has not been one-sided. Additional reports document that Israeli forces shot at humanitarian aid seekers on the apparent safe corridor near the Netzarim axis in central Gaza. Tragically, at least 23 Palestinians were killed in the attack. This horrific event is a stark reminder of how explosive this conflict is and how it is still spiraling into far more chaos.
Iraq’s leading Shia cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, raised a dire alarm. He warned against targeting Iranian leadership. He warned that such moves would throw the whole region into turmoil. His comments underscore the deep fear felt by local leaders that such escalations could lead to a broader conflict emerging from these attacks.
Israel too has sharply escalated its military offensive against Iran. Still, Araqchi noted that Iran continues to prioritize diplomatic avenues for settling differences over military options. He noted that “there is no room for negotiations with us until Israeli aggression stops.” In doing so, this statement further highlights Iran’s argument that there can be no serious negotiations in a climate filled with hostile military threats.
Clarity is urgently needed as the rhetoric surrounding this international conflict has become increasingly escalatory as well. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy advocated for immediate action to prevent further escalation in the Middle East, stating it is “time to put a stop to the grave scenes in the Middle East and prevent a regional escalation that would benefit no one.”
Despite Iran’s refusal to engage with the US under current circumstances, US Senator Marco Rubio mentioned that Washington is “ready for direct contact with the Iranians at any moment,” should conditions allow for productive discussions.