Iranian leader: US must stop Israeli attacks to restart talks

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has conveyed to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that the US must halt Israeli attacks on Iran before negotiations between Washington and Tehran can be renewed.

“If the US wants to restart talks, it must first stop Israel’s regional aggression,” Pezeshkian said, highlighting a key condition set by Tehran for any future negotiations, Caliber.Az reports via Iranian media. 

In a recent phone conversation, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan jointly condemned Israel’s attack against Iran. 

The Turkish leader said that the “lawlessness” of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government threatens the international order, while the Middle East cannot afford another war.

In the early hours of June 13, Israel launched Operation “Rising Lion”, targeting Iran’s nuclear and military facilities. The strikes focused on infrastructure linked to nuclear weapons development, as well as sites housing high-ranking military officials. 

Later that same day, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced the launch of Operation “True Promise 3”, retaliating with missile strikes against Israel. Tehran vowed extensive attacks on Israeli military infrastructure, including airbases and other strategic sites.

By Naila Huseynova