The Iranian position came after statements by Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, who predicted that a war with Tehran would be "long and complicated." Meanwhile, Tehran witnessed a series of explosions that evening, and the Fars News Agency confirmed the activation of air defense systems in the capital.
US President Donald Trump gave Iran a deadline of "no more than two weeks" to avert a potential military strike, stressing that he does not intend to demand that Israel halt its strikes at this time, "because whoever wins is not asked to stop," as he put it.
In response, Iran confirmed its continued military response, with the Revolutionary Guard announcing that it would target military and industrial sites in Israel. Israel responded with intensive airstrikes on Tehran and Isfahan, resulting in the deaths of more than 220 people, including senior officers.
The Iranian attacks injured 19 people in Haifa and killed 25 others across Israel. Tehran pledged to continue defending its territory, asserting that any talk of negotiations without a halt to Israeli aggression is "meaningless."
During a meeting in Geneva with European representatives, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stressed that Tehran is ready to return to the diplomatic track once the airstrikes cease. Meanwhile, the Europeans maintain that "there is no military solution to the nuclear crisis."
In New York, Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, warned of "catastrophic radiological consequences" if Israel targeted the Bushehr nuclear facility. Washington also imposed new sanctions on Tehran, amid growing international fears of an escalation in the conflict.
