DUBAI – Iran has contacted Oman and Qatar, requesting that they approach Washington to broker a cease‑fire and revive nuclear talks, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Simultaneously, Saudi Arabia is reportedly involved in behind‑the‑scenes efforts aimed at creating conditions for de‑escalation and a possible diplomatic restart.
However, Iran has made clear via mediators that it will not negotiate a cease‑fire while under attack, and will only enter serious diplomacy after concluding its response to Israeli strikes.
A senior U.S. administration official told i24NEWS on Saturday, “We remain committed to the talks and hope that the Iranians will come to the negotiating table soon.” They reiterated that any diplomatic breakthrough will require Iran to accept a full halt to uranium enrichment.
An Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman said, “As long as the Israeli regime’s attacks on the Iranian nation continue, participating in talks with its biggest supporter and partner will be meaningless.” He stressed that negotiations must be tied to an immediate cessation of Israeli military action.
Diplomatic activity intensified after Israel’s mid‑June Operation Rising Lion, which targeted Iranian nuclear sites and key military leadership in Tehran, including Revolutionary Guard commanders and nuclear scientists. Iranian retaliatory missile strikes struck cities including Tel Aviv and Haifa, causing civilian casualties on both sides.
U.S. officials say they remain firm: Iran must completely suspend uranium enrichment before negotiations resume. Iran has refused, citing ongoing Israeli bombardment. A Reuters brief noted Iran’s explicit refusal to negotiate “while under Israeli attack.”
Israeli officials, while monitoring diplomatic efforts closely, remain sceptical about Iran’s willingness to compromise. Some are discussing potential escalations with senior figures from the Trump administration in Washington. One Israeli source said: “We hope that will happen eventually,” referring to eventual U.S. involvement, though cautioned that Iran’s hardline stance complicates matters.
Meanwhile, U.S. mediation attempts have not yet borne fruit. A planned Sunday nuclear‑talks session in Muscat hosted by Oman was canceled following the Israeli strikes. A senior U.S. official reaffirmed the ongoing commitment, emphasizing hopes that Iran would return to the table.
Gulf intermediaries remain active. Oman has mediated U.S.‑Iran talks since April, and Qatar recently conveyed Iran’s request to Washington. Saudi Arabia’s clandestine track underscores the stakes among Sunni‑majority Arab states wary of expanding conflict.
Nevertheless, Iran’s insistence on tying diplomacy to halting Israeli military actions and the U.S. insistence on Iran ceasing uranium enrichment present deep obstacles. The gap remains wide, even as regional mediators intensify their shuttle diplomacy.
This article is based on verified information from Reuters, i24NEWS, The Jerusalem Post, and public statements.