Kolkata: Iran has told Qatar and Oman who are reportedly playing the role of mediators that it won’t negotiate a ceasefire while it is under Israeli attack, according to a Reuters report. Notably, Iran and Israel are engaged in a heated armed conflict which has increased geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, much to the worry of the rest of the world.
Reuters reported quoting an official briefed on the communications that Iran has informed Qatar and Oman that it “will only pursue serious negotiations once Iran has completed its response to the Israeli pre-emptive strikes.” Reportedly, Iran has made it clear that it won’t negotiate with Israel if the former continues to attack.
On the morning of June 13, Israel attacked Iran, triggering the ongoing conflict. In the operation, which Israel termed ‘Rising Lion’, several military officials and nuclear scientists of Iran were killed including General Hossein Salami, the former chief of IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps), and Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, the former head of the IRGC Aerospace Force.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei has vowed to inflict heavy damage on Israel which he described as “evil Zionist enemy”. According to reports, the ongoing conflict between the two nations has claimed 230 lives in Iran, and 18 lives in Israel. Iran has launched missile strikes on different Israeli cities, and Khamenei said that “Life will definitely become bitter for the Zionists,” sharing a video that showed missiles raining down on Israel.
According to Reuters, reports of Iran appealing to Qatar and Oman to engage the US to broker a ceasefire and renew nuclear talks are wrong. In recent months, Oman has mediated nuclear talks between the US and Iran. Also in the past, Qatar played a role in facilitating talks between the two sides, and it mediated a prisoner swap agreement in 2023. Both Qatar and Oman share good relations with Iran and the US and they have had direct communications with Israel.
Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz has criticized Khamenei and warned Iran of grave consequences. He said, “The arrogant dictator from Tehran has become a cowardly murderer who fires targeted shots at the civilian home front in Israel to deter the IDF from continuing the attack that is collapsing its capabilities. The residents of Tehran will pay the price, and soon.”
