Media: Iran links nuclear dialogue to de-escalation efforts in region

Iranian officials told mediators they are open to resuming nuclear talks with the United States, but only if Israel halts its attacks, two sources said as fighting between the regional rivals entered its fourth day.

“We never left the negotiating table, but no negotiations while we are under fire,” Caliber.Az quotes one official as saying, per The Washington Post.

A second official said Oman and Qatar were spearheading efforts to initiate ceasefire talks — part of a broader attempt by Gulf states to de-escalate the growing conflict that erupted on June 13 when Israel began launching strikes on Iran. Both officials requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the talks.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump is leaving the G7 summit in Canada earlier than planned due to the intensifying conflict between Israel and Iran, the White House confirmed late June 16. 

“Because of what’s going on in the Middle East, President Trump will be leaving tonight after dinner with Heads of State,” press secretary Karoline Leavitt posted on X.

Speaking to reporters, Trump said, “We’re gonna have dinner with these wonderful leaders and then I get on a plane. I have to be back early for obvious reasons.” 

An administration official told US media that Trump has asked the National Security Council to be ready in the Situation Room upon his return. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will also return to Washington with him.

Despite the shortened visit, Leavitt said “much was accomplished,” including progress with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on a trade deal that adjusts certain tariffs but maintains a 25% duty on British steel. 

A joint G7 statement on June 16 backed Israel’s right to defend itself and called Iran the “principal source” of regional instability.

However, a White House official said Trump would not sign a separate G7 document urging de-escalation, reaffirming that he “will continue to work towards ensuring Iran cannot obtain a nuclear weapon.” 

Later on Truth Social, Trump wrote Iran “should have signed the ‘deal’ I told them to sign,” and warned Tehran’s 10 million residents to “evacuate the city immediately,” without elaborating.

The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem and its Tel Aviv branch closed on June 16 amid fresh Israeli-Iranian strikes and will remain shut on June 17, the State Department said.

According to officials, at least 224 people have been killed in Iran, including figures close to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, while Iranian retaliatory strikes have left at least 24 dead in Israel.  

By Aghakazim Guliyev