Iran’s government has declared that any negotiations over its nuclear program are “meaningless” unless Israel halts its military attacks. Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani made the statement during an interview with CNN, saying ongoing airstrikes render diplomacy futile.“The attacks must stop first. Only then will we consider talks,” said Mohajerani, Iran’s first female government spokesperson, appointed last August by President Masoud Pezeshkian.She referred to past disappointments with nuclear negotiations—particularly the collapse of the 2015 JCPOA deal after the U.S. withdrawal in 2018—as justification for Tehran’s cautious approach.“This time, negotiations were underway when the attacks began. We won’t enter talks while under fire,” she emphasized.Casualties Mount as Conflict EscalatesIsrael launched a major military operation on June 13, targeting Iran’s top military officials and nuclear infrastructure. Since then, daily strikes have hit enrichment sites, power plants, media offices, and gas fields. At least 430 Iranian civilians have been killed, with thousands injured, according to Iranian officials.Iran’s retaliation, involving missiles and drones, has left 24 dead and more than 1,200 injured in Israel. A missile even struck a hospital in Tel Aviv.Despite the devastation, Mohajerani insisted that Iran remains resolute: “The Iranian government and people are fully prepared to defend the country.”Nuclear Program: Energy, Not WarAt the heart of the tension lies Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Israel and the U.S. claim Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons—something Tehran strongly denies.“Nuclear energy means life for us, not war,” Mohajerani said. “Enrichment is our right.”Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, visiting a missile strike site in Rishon Lezion, described Iran’s nuclear program as a threat not just to Israel, but to global stability.Trump’s Shadow Looms Over CrisisU.S. President Donald Trump has remained undecided on direct intervention but hinted at possible escalation, including a controversial remark about Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.“We know where he is hiding,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “We’re not going to take him out—for now.”Mohajerani responded sharply: “This shows how little Israel and its allies understand Iran’s unity. Any reckless action will be met with consequences.”She closed with a warning: “Iran is united. We will defend our nation and our leadership.”
