Iran rejects ceasefire negotiations while under Israeli attack, official says
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
Closed shops in the Tehran Bazaar following the Israeli strikes on Iran, in the centre of Tehran, on June 15.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Follow topic:
DUBAI - Iran has told mediators Qatar and Oman that it is not open to negotiating a ceasefire while it is under Israeli attack, an official briefed on the communications told Reuters on June 15, as the two foes launched fresh attacks and raised fears of a wider conflict.
“The Iranians informed Qatari and Omani mediators that they will pursue serious negotiations only once Iran has completed its response to the Israeli pre-emptive strikes,” said the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the conflict.
Iran made “clear that it will not negotiate while under attack”, the official said.
Israel launched a surprise attack on Iran
Iran has vowed to “open the gates of hell” in retaliation, in what has emerged as the biggest-ever confrontation between the longstanding enemies.
The official told Reuters media reports that Iran appealed to Oman and Qatar to engage the US to broker a ceasefire and renew nuclear talks were inaccurate.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry did not respond to Reuters’ request for comment, nor did Qatar’s Foreign Ministry or Oman’s Ministry of Information.
Oman has in recent months mediated nuclear talks between the US and Iran, though the most recent round was cancelled a day after Israel launched a sweeping air offensive against Iran.
Qatar has also played a role facilitating talks between the two foes in the past, most recently mediating a prisoner swop agreement in 2023.
Oman and Qatar have good relations with both Iran and the US, and they also have communicated directly with Israel. REUTERS
