GENEVA – Iran has signaled it may return to diplomacy over its nuclear programme, but only after what it calls Israeli “aggression” is halted.
The remarks came as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with his European counterparts in Geneva, amid rising hostilities between Iran and Israel.
“We are ready to consider diplomacy once the aggression is stopped,” Araghchi told reporters. “Real negotiations can only begin once the aggressor is held accountable for the heinous crimes committed.”
He reiterated Iran’s longstanding position that its nuclear programme is peaceful, insisting that attacks on its infrastructure violate international law.
Araghchi added that Iran will continue to exercise its “legitimate right of self-defence,” declaring that its defence capabilities are “non-negotiable.”
The comments followed fresh Iranian missile strikes on Israeli targets earlier in the day. In response, Israel said it had launched dozens of retaliatory attacks, including on alleged missile manufacturing sites in Tehran.
As fighting intensifies, the US and European allies have stepped up diplomatic efforts to avoid a broader conflict.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said the military path would not yield a “definitive solution” to the nuclear issue.
“We expect Iran to be open to discussion, including with the United States, to reach a negotiated settlement through dialogue,” he said.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul echoed the urgency, saying the priority was to “avoid further escalation” and make tangible progress in negotiations.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy added that the West remains committed to preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and urged continued dialogue.
“This is a perilous moment,” Lammy said. “It’s hugely important we avoid a regional escalation.”
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump appeared dismissive of Europe’s role, telling reporters, “Iran doesn’t want to speak to Europe. Iran wants to speak to us.”
Trump confirmed that his administration had been in communication with Tehran but expressed doubt that the Geneva talks had made any real progress.
At the UN, Secretary-General António Guterres warned the Security Council that the situation was nearing a breaking point.
“The expansion of this conflict could light a fire that no one can control,” he said, urging an immediate ceasefire and return to negotiations.
“There is a trust gap,” he added, referencing Iran’s insistence it does not seek nuclear weapons.
Russian President Vladimir Putin also weighed in, telling the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum that Moscow was in contact with both Iran and Israel.
He offered “ideas” for resolution but clarified that Russia was not seeking a formal mediating role. “Acceptable solutions can definitely be found,” he said.
The Geneva meeting concluded with no major breakthrough but a shared commitment among European leaders to keep diplomatic channels open.
Talks are expected to continue in the coming days as global powers scramble to contain a conflict with potentially far-reaching consequences.