TEHRAN, Iran – Iran has ruled out any resumption of talks on its nuclear programme while under military assault, just hours after Israel’s defence minister warned of a “prolonged campaign” against the Islamic Republic.
Speaking in Geneva on Friday after a meeting with European diplomats, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said diplomacy could only resume once Israel’s military attacks “are stopped,” stressing that Tehran’s nuclear ambitions remain peaceful.
“I make it crystal clear that Iran’s defence capabilities are non-negotiable,” Araghchi said. “Israel’s aggression violates international law, and we will exercise our legitimate right to self-defence.”
The remarks came as Israel launched a fresh wave of strikes on Iranian military targets, including missile storage and launch sites.
Explosions were reported near Tel Aviv, and missile interceptions lit up the night sky over Israel’s commercial capital. In one incident, a building was set ablaze by falling shrapnel.
Iranian state media reported that an Israeli strike hit the city of Qom, killing a 16-year-old and injuring two others.
Separate attacks were also reported near the city of Isfahan, including another strike on a nuclear facility — marking the second time the site has been targeted in a week.
Araghchi is expected to travel to Istanbul on Saturday for further talks with representatives of the Arab League amid intensifying international efforts to contain the spiralling conflict.
Israel Vows to Continue Strikes, Warns of Long Conflict
In a video statement on Friday, Israeli Defence Minister Eyal Zamir warned that the confrontation with Iran could extend for weeks or even months.
“We must prepare for a prolonged campaign. We will not stop until Iran’s nuclear and military threat is neutralised,” Zamir said.
Israel’s UN ambassador echoed the sentiment, accusing Tehran of pursuing a “genocidal agenda” and pledging continued strikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
In an interview with Germany’s Bild newspaper, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar claimed that Israel’s strikes had already set back Iran’s nuclear programme by at least two years.
US, Europe Divided on Diplomatic Path
The conflict has prompted urgent diplomatic efforts by European powers. In Geneva, foreign ministers from the UK, France, Germany and the EU urged Iran to consider returning to the negotiating table, including talks with the United States.
But US President Donald Trump, speaking from Washington, dismissed the European efforts and issued his own ultimatum.
“Iran has a maximum of two weeks. We’re watching,” Trump said. “Europe can’t help them. They want to talk to us.”
Trump said he may authorise military action before the 14-day window lapses unless Tehran halts its attacks and returns to talks.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy warned that the situation was “deadly serious,” adding that the US had offered a narrow diplomatic window to de-escalate the crisis.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said diplomacy must continue despite ongoing hostilities, warning that “military action alone cannot resolve the Iran nuclear issue.”
Mounting Casualties on Both Sides
The fighting has already taken a heavy toll. On Friday, Israel reported that 20 Iranian missiles targeted the port city of Haifa.
One woman died of a heart attack during the bombardment, raising the Israeli death toll to 25.
In Iran, the health ministry on Sunday said 224 people had been killed in Israeli strikes.
However, the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) estimated the unofficial death toll at 657 by Friday, including civilians, military personnel, and nuclear scientists.
The conflict was triggered by Israel’s air strikes inside Iranian territory on June 13.
Since then, both sides have exchanged multiple rounds of missile and drone attacks, dragging the region toward a broader confrontation with potential global repercussions.
