Iran Halts Nuclear Negotiations Amid Rising Tensions with the US
Iran's Stance on Nuclear Talks
On Monday, Iran announced that it is not currently engaged in nuclear discussions with the United States, indicating a halt in negotiations as tensions escalate following recent military confrontations over the weekend. This announcement coincides with reports that US President Donald Trump is eager to finalize a deal with Iran, focusing on key aspects, particularly concerning Iran's nuclear materials.
Esmaeil Baghaei, the spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry, stated during a weekly press briefing that Tehran is not in talks regarding the specifics of its nuclear program with Washington at this time. He emphasized that Iran's primary focus is on resolving the ongoing conflict. "We understand when it is necessary to address nuclear issues... Currently, there have been no discussions on the nuclear file's details. Our immediate goal is to end the war," Baghaei remarked.
Baghaei further accused the US of breaching the ceasefire, referencing incidents reported earlier that day, and cautioned that Iran would take "necessary measures" to safeguard its national security. His comments followed US actions over the weekend, where they conducted "self-defense strikes" on Iranian radar and drone facilities located in Goruk and Qeshm Island.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that these strikes targeted Iranian radar and command sites for drones in Goruk and Qeshm Island, executed in response to aggressive actions from Iran, including the downing of a US MQ-1 drone operating in international waters. "US fighter jets promptly responded by neutralizing Iranian air defenses, a ground control station, and two attack drones that posed significant threats to vessels navigating regional waters," CENTCOM stated. They confirmed that no American personnel were injured and reiterated their commitment to protecting US assets and interests against unwarranted Iranian aggression during the ongoing ceasefire.
In retaliation, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced that it had targeted an airbase used in an attack on a telecommunications tower on Sirik Island, situated in the southern Hormozgan province, as reported by the Fars news agency.