Tehran has sent messages to the United States and Israel via Arab intermediaries indicating that it seeks to return to the negotiating table—on condition that Israel halts its military campaign, according to a report this evening (Monday) in the Wall Street Journal.
According to the report, the Iranians made it clear they would be willing to resume talks as long as the U.S. does not participate in strikes on Iranian soil. Similar messages were also conveyed to Israel, in an effort to halt further escalation.
Return to Diplomacy
Arab diplomats who spoke with Iranian officials claim that Tehran believes Israel cannot afford to be dragged into a prolonged war of attrition and will therefore eventually be forced to return to the diplomatic track.
Additional reporting indicated that Iran is demanding guarantees that the U.S. will not join in the strikes alongside Israel. Conversely, the Shiite state warned that if it is not permitted to resume talks with Washington, it may accelerate its nuclear program and expand the scope of the conflict.
No Concessions
Despite the diplomatic overtures, Arab sources clarified that Tehran is not prepared to offer any new concessions. The efforts to reach an understanding prior to the Israeli strikes collapsed due to Iran’s refusal to stop uranium enrichment. Israel had previously made clear that a complete halt to enrichment is a basic requirement, and that Iran’s missile program and support for regional militias must also be addressed.
US Response
While the US has made no official statement regarding the recent report, one indication earlier today (Monday) shows support for Israel: While the G7 leaders issued a joint statement today regarding the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, calling on both sides to calm tensions and avoid escalation that could threaten regional stability, President Donald Trump did not sign it. The statement did affirm Israel’s right to defend itself and declared that Iran must not be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons.
President Donald Trump has been urging the Iranian regime to come to the table before things got worse.
Iran Feeling the Heat- literally
Earlier today as well, the Israeli Air Force struck the Iranian broadcaster. During the strike, the channel’s broadcasts were disrupted and a massive explosion rocked the studio.
Watch the footage:
Israel Defense Minister Israel Katz posted on his X account: “The Iranian regime’s propaganda and incitement broadcasting authority was struck by the IDF following a wide evacuation of residents in the surrounding area.
We will strike the Iranian dictator wherever he may be.”
IDF Spokesperson’s Warning
Prior to the strike, the IDF Spokesperson in Arabic issued a warning to residents of Tehran’s District 3. The spokesperson wrote to Iranian civilians: “For your safety, please leave the mentioned area in District 3 of Tehran immediately.”
“In the coming hours, the Israeli army will strike the Iranian regime’s military infrastructure in this area, as it has done in recent days in Tehran,” the message warned.
