The question of whether the United States will become directly involved in a war against Iran remains unresolved. However, currently, it appears more likely than the prospect of President Donald Trump opting to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue through diplomatic means.
The initial meeting between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and the foreign ministers of Germany, France, and the European Union was marked by such a tense atmosphere that the talks had to be paused for a cooling-off break just an hour after they began. Even after returning to the negotiating table, the parties failed to find any common ground.
Diplomatic sources said Iran demanded that Israel commit to halting airstrikes and intelligence flights over Iranian territory as a precondition for renewing negotiations over its nuclear program. This demand reflected Tehran's deep distrust of the United States, which Iranian officials accused of full collaboration with Israel in both planning and executing the recent attack against Iran.
In a last-ditch effort, European officials presented Araghchi with a proposal to launch negotiations, tied to a cessation of military activities. The offer included several binding principles: a clear Iranian commitment never to pursue nuclear weapons, ongoing and rigorous international monitoring of all its nuclear facilities, and the recognition of Iran's right to enrich uranium on its soil, though the implementation of that right would be deferred or relocated to a joint international facility. Alongside the nuclear talks, parallel negotiations on regional security involving other Middle Eastern states were to be initiated.
Araghchi rejected the proposal during the meeting, but later, an Iranian official stated a formal response would follow internal consultations.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump dismissed the European initiative, saying Iran sought direct talks with the US, not with European powers. There is reportedly an open communication channel between Araghchi and US envoy Brian Hook, which, according to unconfirmed German reports, was also used to secure Israel's approval for Araghchi's travel to Europe for the talks.
Tehran's message to Washington also included a warning that US forces in the region could be targeted, a threat with weight given the presence of numerous American bases and naval vessels nearby. Iran has not directly threatened oil installations belonging to US allies such as Saudi Arabia, but concerns remain that it might do so if attacked. Iranian officials are also aware that their own oil facilities are vulnerable following Israeli strikes that reportedly destroyed parts of their air defense systems.
Earlier, Israel Hayom reported that Iran's oil exports have nearly ground to a halt, depriving the Islamic Republic of its main source of revenue.
