Iran rules out talks with US amid escalating regional tensions

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei has said that diplomatic contacts with the United States cannot advance amid continued escalation in the region and alleged violations of a ceasefire, IRNA reports.

“Given last night’s events, we need to assess the current situation. The diplomatic process does not take place in a vacuum, and for any diplomatic process to move forward, a minimum atmosphere is required to allow progress. Diplomacy and the battlefield are not separate things; together they serve as tools to protect Iran’s national interests and security. Where necessary, our armed forces will respond to the enemy with full strength,” Baghaei said.

He added that recent events demonstrated Iran’s readiness to respond militarily.

“The events that took place last night showed that Iran’s brave armed forces will not hesitate to defend the country. In the field of diplomacy, all state institutions are also fully coordinated.

Where necessary, they will use diplomatic tools, and where circumstances require it, they will use military force to defend the country,” he emphasized.

By Vafa Guliyeva