Muscat: Nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States, scheduled for June 15 in Muscat, have been called off, Oman’s foreign minister announced. The cancellation follows Iran’s denunciation of the talks as “meaningless” in the wake of an Israeli strike on June 13.
According to Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty, Oman’s top diplomat, Badr Albusaidi, disclosed the decision to cancel the talks, which were aimed at addressing Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The Israeli attack on Iranian soil has prompted a significant escalation in hostilities between the two nations. Iranian state media reported a fire at the South Pars gas field in Bushehr Province, attributed to an Israeli assault, with multiple casualties and injuries following Iranian retaliatory attacks.
Iranian President Masud Pezeshkian communicated to Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif that Iran would respond more forcefully if Israeli strikes persisted. Meanwhile, Israel’s military confirmed a new wave of airstrikes targeting missile launchers a
nd air defenses near Tehran. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a stern warning to Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, promising dire consequences if missile attacks on Israel continued.
The conflict has intensified regional tensions, with reports indicating significant casualties and damages in both Iran and Israel. Iranian officials informed the United Nations of substantial casualties from the initial Israeli strikes, including civilian deaths in Tehran. This confrontation follows Israel’s surprise air assault on Iranian nuclear and missile facilities, described as a prelude to further military actions.
As the situation escalates, international leaders have expressed concern, urging both sides to exercise restraint. The United States, a close ally of Israel, has emphasized the importance of diplomatic resolutions to curb Iran’s nuclear activities. Iran, accused by Israel of advancing toward nuclear armament, has maintained its nuclear program is for civilian purposes. The US administr
ation has been exerting pressure on Iran, with President Donald Trump warning Tehran to negotiate before it’s too late.
The violence and diplomatic breakdown have cast uncertainty over potential resolutions, with Iran rejecting a US proposal deemed against its national interests. The Iranian Foreign Ministry has declared continued talks unjustifiable under current circumstances. Despite the canceled negotiations, Omani Foreign Minister Albusaidi emphasized the necessity of diplomacy for lasting peace.
In the backdrop of these developments, Israel has sustained its military operations, citing the need to counter Iran’s missile threats. Israeli military officials reported successful interceptions of Iranian missiles, although damages in Israeli cities have been significant. Meanwhile, Iran has suffered losses in its military command, with high-ranking officers killed in the Israeli strikes.
The international community remains watchful of the unfolding crisis, advocating for diplomatic engagement to prevent a
broader conflict in the region. The potential for further escalation underscores the pressing need for renewed dialogue and a peaceful resolution to the longstanding hostilities between Israel and Iran.