Reuters: Iran refuses ceasefire talks while under Israeli fire

Iran has informed mediators from Qatar and Oman that it will not engage in ceasefire negotiations while under Israeli attack, a source familiar with the communications told Reuters on June 15. 

"The Iranians informed Qatari and Omani mediators that they will only pursue serious negotiations once Iran has completed its response to the Israeli pre-emptive strikes," said the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the conflict, Caliber.Az reports. 

On June 13, Israel launched a surprise strike targeting Iran’s top military leadership and key nuclear facilities. Israeli authorities have warned that their campaign will intensify in the coming days.

In response, Iran vowed to “open the gates of hell,” signalling a potentially unprecedented escalation in the long-standing rivalry between the two nations.

The official also dismissed media reports suggesting that Iran had asked Oman and Qatar to involve the United States in brokering a ceasefire or to revive nuclear negotiations, calling such claims inaccurate.

Requests for comment from Iran’s Foreign Ministry, as well as Qatar’s and Oman’s foreign ministries, were not immediately answered.

The ongoing hostilities and stalled diplomatic efforts have raised fears of a wider regional conflict.

By Sabina Mammadli