Iran has firmly denied reports that it plans to resume nuclear talks with the United States, following a 12-day conflict with Israel. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on state television that “no agreement, arrangement or conversation” has been made to start new negotiations, calling such speculation “baseless”. This denial comes after US President Donald Trump claimed Washington would hold discussions with Tehran, with his special envoy Steve Witkoff expressing hope for a comprehensive peace agreement.
Araghchi’s statement was supported by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who accused Trump of exaggerating the impact of US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Khamenei described the strikes as having done “nothing significant” to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, contradicting Trump’s claims that key facilities, including the underground Fordo uranium enrichment site, had been “obliterated” by American B-2 bombers. The Iranian lawmakers have passed a “binding” bill suspending cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog, further escalating tensions.
The conflict between Israel and Iran has resulted in significant damage and loss of life, with at least 627 civilians killed in Israeli strikes on Iran, according to Tehran’s health ministry. Iran’s attacks on Israel killed 28 people, according to Israeli figures. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed Israel had “thwarted Iran’s nuclear project”, warning any attempt by Iran to rebuild it would be met with the same determination and intensity.
The true impact of the US strikes on Iran’s nuclear program remains a subject of debate. A leaked classified assessment suggested the damage may be less severe than initially claimed, possibly delaying progress by only a few months. However, senior US officials, including CIA Director John Ratcliffe, have stated that several facilities would need to be “rebuilt over the course of years”. Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth accused the media of misrepresenting the operation, saying President Trump had “decimating — choose your word — obliterating, destroying Iran’s nuclear capabilities”.
French President Emmanuel Macron has weighed in on the conflict, saying the US strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities were “genuinely effective”. However, Macron warned that the “worst-case scenario” would be if Tehran exits the global non-proliferation treaty, which limits the spread of nuclear weapons. Iran has consistently denied seeking a nuclear weapon, while defending its “legitimate rights” to peaceful use of atomic energy.
