Tehran has firmly dismissed calls for direct negotiations over its nuclear program, even as U.S. President Donald Trump escalated tensions by threatening to bomb Iranian facilities.
The dual developments signal a dangerous hardening of positions, with Iran insisting it will only engage in talks through international mediators while Trump vows an aggressive stance.
The Iranian foreign ministry issued a statement Wednesday ruling out any bilateral discussions with Washington, declaring such talks "pointless" unless the U.S. first lifts all sanctions and returns to the 2015 nuclear deal unconditionally.
This rejection comes despite recent behind-the-scenes efforts by European and Gulf mediators to restart diplomacy amid growing concerns over Iran's uranium enrichment activities. "The window for direct dialogue closed when America abandoned its commitments," said ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani, referring to Trump's 2018 withdrawal from the Obama-era nuclear agreement.
Meanwhile, Trump doubled down on his confrontational approach during a campaign rally in Ohio, warning that Iranian nuclear sites would be "obliterated" if he wins November's election and Tehran continues advancing its program. "They're playing with fire, and if I'm president again, they'll get burned," Trump told supporters, echoing rhetoric from his first term when he ordered the strike that killed Iranian general Qassem Soleimani.
His comments drew immediate condemnation from Tehran, with hardline lawmakers chanting "Death to America" in parliament and Revolutionary Guard commanders vowing to accelerate uranium enrichment to weapons-grade levels if threatened.
The escalating war of words has alarmed global powers, with Russia and China calling for restraint while European diplomats scramble to preserve the fading possibility of renewed negotiations. Analysts warn the stalemate increases risks of miscalculation, particularly as Iran's nuclear facilities become more dispersed and hardened against potential strikes.
With Tehran enriching uranium to 60% purity, just shy of weapons-grade and Trump signaling an even more hawkish policy, the stage appears set for a dangerous showdown unless cooler heads prevail through backchannel diplomacy.
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Sources: DW News, Reuters, AP News
