Iran is pleading for renewed negotiations after Israeli strikes devastated the nation’s military leadership and nuclear sites.
Iran reportedly told Arab intermediaries that they would be open to negotiations with Israel and the U.S. on the condition that America does not join in offensive strikes against the regime, European and Middle Eastern officials told The Wall Street Journal before President Donald Trump confirmed the reports Monday. Israel has established relatively uncontested air superiority over Tehran after launching a June 12 surprise attack against the Islamic Republic that eliminated numerous key officials in the Iranian military leadership while crippling nuclear infrastructure.
“Yeah, they’d like to talk, but they should have done that before,” Trump told reporters Monday. “I had sixty days, and they had sixty days, and on the 61st day, I said ‘we don’t have a deal.’ They have to make a deal. It’s painful for both parties, but I’d say Iran is not winning this war. And they should talk, and they should talk immediately before it’s too late.”
Iranian counterattacks have inflicted comparatively little damage on Israel, as its missile defense system has intercepted many of the missiles launched at Israel proper. Nevertheless, much of the country’s population spent the weekend rushing to and from bomb shelters due to the Iranian barrages, according to The Times of Israel.
“The Iranians know the U.S. is supporting Israel in its defense, and they are sure the U.S. is supporting Israel logistically,” an Arab official told the WSJ. “But they want guarantees the U.S. won’t join the attacks.”
Trump has sent mixed signals on whether or not the U.S. would join in offensive operations against Iran, saying Sunday that “it’s possible” American jumps into the war while also stressing the U.S.’ current defensive posture.
“We’re not involved in it. It’s possible we could get involved. But we are not at this moment involved,” the president told ABC News’ Rachel Scott during an interview. Trump has also expressed that he wants Iran to come back to the negotiating table in the wake of the Israeli strikes.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at the start of the offensive that the strikes will continue for “as long as it takes” to destroy Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
Russia has offered to be a peacemaker in the conflict, given the nation’s unique position of having diplomatic ties with each side. Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin had an hour-long phone call Sunday to discuss peace prospects, with Putin reportedly urging a return to diplomatic negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry, Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the State Department did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.
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