Decision was communicated by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to French leader Emmanuel Macron during telephone conversation; risk of conflict of higher proportions leaves the world on alert
The government of the announced on Saturday that it will not continue to participate in negotiations about its nuclear program with the United States while maintaining attacks on its territory. The decision was communicated by Iranian President, Masoud Pezeshkian, to the president of France, during a telephone conversation released by the Iranian presidency. “Iran will not accept irrational demands under pressure and will not sit at the negotiating table while the Zionist regime continues with its attacks,” Pezeshkian said in reference to Israel.
The suspension of dialogue occurs in a moment of severe military climb between Israel and Iran. Since the 12th, the two countries have exchanged attacks that have already caused dozens of deaths and increased the risk of a regional conflict. The Israeli army largely carried out Iranian military and nuclear facilities, killing at least 78 people, including high -ranking military and scientists linked to the country’s nuclear program, according to the Iranian government.
In retaliation, Iran launched dozens of missiles against targets in Israel. Three civilians died and more than 80 were injured after one of the projectiles reached a residential area in Rishon Lezion near Tel Aviv. Most missiles were intercepted, with the support of the American forces. The president of the United States, declared support to Israeli actions and said that Tehran should accept a nuclear deal or face “even brutal attacks.” The American Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, warned Iran against any US troops installed in Arab countries.
France and the United Kingdom also positioned themselves alongside Israel. French President Emmanuel Macron said his country could help in Israeli defense “if he is able to do so,” but ruled out involvement in offensive actions. The British prime minister, Keir Stmerer, said the United Kingdom did not participate in the attacks, but reaffirmed that Israel has the right to self -defense. Tension increased after Iran threatened to reach military bases, diplomatic missions and ships from countries that support Israel in the region. In a statement cited by Mehr agency, the Iranian government warned that “any interference will result in attacks on all regional bases of accomplicable governments, including facilities in the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea.”
In addition to the dead, the attacks left more than 320 injured in Iran and led to airport closure in both countries. Israel claimed to have reached more than 200 targets, including an Uranium plant in Isfahan and facilities near the Natanz nuclear complex. The International Atomic Energy Agency (AIEA) confirmed damage, but said there was no increase in radiation levels.
International analysts warn of the risk of a larger conflict, with direct involvement of Western powers. Diplomats from France, the United Kingdom and Germany try to articulate a diplomatic response to contain the crisis. Meanwhile, Pope Leo XIV made an appeal for moderation, asking for “responsibility and reason” to the parties involved.
*With information from AFP
Posted by Felipe Cerqueira
