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No Progress in European-Iran Talks, Israel and Iran May Enter Prolonged Conflict

No Progress in European-Iran Talks, Israel and Iran May Enter Prolonged Conflict Image reproduced from NOWnews 今日新聞

During talks held in Switzerland on the 20th, several European countries met with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, but no diplomatic breakthrough was achieved. Israel and Iran continue to exchange sharp rhetoric, with Iran stating that it would only consider diplomatic measures if Israel "stops its aggressions." On the 21st, Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen claimed that Israeli military actions had delayed Iran's nuclear weapons program by "at least two to three years."

European countries urged Iran to continue diplomatic discussions with the United States regarding the nuclear program, but Amir-Abdollahian made it clear that Iran would only consider diplomatic means after Israel halts its aggressions and takes responsibility for its actions. He also expressed uncertainty about trusting the United States after Israeli attacks, suggesting that the U.S. was at least partly protecting Israel’s actions.

Nevertheless, Amir-Abdollahian did express support for discussions with the UK, France, Germany, and the EU, stating he was willing to meet again soon. British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell emphasized the importance of reducing regional tension, resolving conflicts, and maintaining communication. Baerbock also stated that U.S. involvement in negotiations and solutions is crucial.

On the 21st, Cohen publicly stated in an interview that Israeli operations had targeted hundreds of Iranian nuclear and military sites, assassinated key commanders and nuclear scientists, achieving significant results. He estimated that such actions had deferred Tehran's development of nuclear weapons by "at least two to three years," but emphasized that Israel would not cease operations until all threats were eliminated.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu further indicated that military actions would continue until the threats posed by the Iranian nuclear program and arsenal were completely eradicated, stating that the Israeli military is prepared to engage in a "prolonged war." This reflects Israel's ongoing concern over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and suggests a troubling escalation of tensions in the region.

Iranian Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian attended the UN Human Rights Council on the 20th, where he met with representatives from the UK, France, Germany, and the EU.