Europe Presses for Talks But Iran Demands End to Israeli Attacks First
Rabat – As Israel and Iran continue to exchange aerial attacks for the eighth day, European countries have urged Tehran to restart talks with the United States to find a solution to the ongoing nuclear standoff. However, Iran made it clear that it will not return to diplomacy until Israeli airstrikes stop.
European foreign ministers met with Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Geneva on Friday. France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said Iran should begin negotiations 'without waiting' for Israel to halt its attacks. ' It is illusory and dangerous to want to impose a regime change from the outside. It is up to the people to decide their own destiny,' he added.
Iran's Foreign Minister responded by saying his country is open to more talks with European countries but not while under attack. 'Iran is ready to consider diplomacy once again and once the aggression is stopped and the aggressor is held accountable for the crimes committed,' Araghchi said after the meeting.
He confirmed Iran's willingness to meet again with France, Germany, Britain, and the European Union.
Meanwhile, the conflict continues to escalate on the ground. Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir warned of a 'prolonged campaign' against Iran, calling it the most complex in Israel's history. At least 19 people were injured in Haifa after Iranian missiles struck the northern port city, damaging buildings and leaving one person in serious condition.
Meanwhile in Iran, state television showed large protests in Tehran after Friday prayers. Demonstrators chanted against Israel. A 5.1-magnitude earthquake also struck northern Iran today near the city of Semnan, adding to the country's stress as Israeli strikes continued.
At the United Nations, Israel's ambassador Danny Danon said, 'We will not stop' the attacks until Iran's nuclear threat is dismantled. Iran's ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, called on the Security Council to act and warned that the United States might join the conflict.
Iraq also accused Israel of violating its airspace. According to Iraq's UN representative, 50 Israeli warplanes flew through Iraqi skies on their way to targets in Iran. Tags: EuropeIranIsraelnuclear
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