US-Iran Diplomatic Talks Amid Israeli Airstrikes on Nuclear Sites

U.S. Special Representative Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi have held several phone conversations following the start of Israeli attacks on Iran, attempting to find a diplomatic solution to the current crisis. This information was confirmed by sources close to the situation.

Diplomats who wished to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of the topic reported that Araghchi emphasized that Tehran will not return to negotiations unless Israel stops its attacks, which began on June 13.

The discussions also covered a U.S. proposal presented to Iran at the end of May to establish a regional consortium for uranium enrichment outside of Iran. However, Tehran has so far rejected this initiative.

This week’s phone calls have been the most substantive since contacts began in April. Previously, both diplomats limited themselves to brief meetings following rounds of indirect talks.

A regional diplomat close to Tehran noted that Araghchi informed Witkoff of Tehran’s willingness to “show flexibility on the nuclear issue” if Washington pressures Israel to stop the war.

“Araghchi told Witkoff that Iran is ready to return to nuclear negotiations but cannot do so if Israel continues its bombings.”

Until now, Araghchi and Witkoff had no direct contacts aside from brief meetings after five rounds of indirect talks focused on Iran’s long-standing nuclear dispute.

Another regional diplomat reported that the first call was initiated by Washington, which also proposed a new initiative to break the deadlock caused by the “red lines” conflict.

U.S. President Donald Trump insists that Tehran stop uranium enrichment on its soil, while Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei asserts that Iran’s right to enrichment is non-negotiable.

A senior European diplomat noted that at the G7 summit it became clear that Trump seeks a swift end to operations and wants the Iranians to negotiate, but with a clear demand to accept his terms to stop the war.

Due to Israeli strikes and Trump’s rhetoric, diplomats believe Iran cannot conduct public negotiations with the U.S., but meetings with European intermediaries to advance diplomacy seem more realistic for Tehran.

Israeli Strikes on Iran

On the night of June 13, the Israel Defense Forces launched an air operation against Iran’s nuclear program. The Israeli Air Force struck dozens of targets, including facilities related to uranium enrichment and military bases.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the operation’s goal is “to strike Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, its ballistic missile production plants, and military capabilities.” He emphasized that the operation will continue until the mission is fully accomplished.

The attack resulted in the deaths of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Hossein Salami and Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Mohammad Bagheri, according to the Iranian state news agency.

Following the strikes, several countries closed their airspace. The IAEA expressed concern about the attacks on nuclear facilities, although Iran claims that the nuclear sites did not suffer serious damage.

In response, Iran launched over 100 drones toward Israeli territory.

On June 13 and 14, Israel carried out new airstrikes on Iranian cities housing key defense installations and military bases.

At an emergency UN Security Council meeting on June 13, Iran officially accused the U.S. of involvement in Israel’s strikes on Iranian territory. Washington denied these accusations and called on Tehran to come to the negotiating table over its nuclear program.

On June 18, it was reported that U.S. President Donald Trump approved plans to attack Iran but postponed them to see if Tehran would abandon its nuclear program.

One possible U.S. target is the uranium enrichment facility at Fordow, located under a mountain and considered unreachable by most conventional bombs except the most powerful ones.

When asked about the possibility of striking Iran’s nuclear sites, Trump replied, “Maybe I will, maybe I won’t.”

“Iran will not surrender, and any American military intervention will have irreversible consequences.”