Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has said that talks over Iran’s nuclear programme are “meaningless” following Israel’s largest-ever military strike against its long-time adversary, accusing Washington of supporting and enabling the attack.
“The US has acted in a way that makes the dialogue between the two meaningless. You cannot claim to negotiate and at the same time allow the Zionist regime to rain bombs on Tehran,” said Iranian official Esmaeil Baghaei.
He added, “Iran sees Washington's direct role in emboldening the Israeli government as it carried out an unprovoked attack. This could never have happened without backing and permission from Washington.”
Iran had earlier accused the United States of complicity in Israel's attacks, a charge Washington has denied. At the United Nations Security Council, the US urged Tehran to engage in nuclear negotiations, saying it would be “wise” to do so.
The sixth round of nuclear negotiations was scheduled to take place on Sunday in Oman’s capital, Muscat. However, following the Israeli strikes, it remains uncertain whether the talks will proceed.
Officials in Tehran have stated that the next round of talks will not involve the United States, accusing it of violating the terms of previous agreements.
Iran has consistently denied allegations that it is developing nuclear weapons, maintaining that its uranium enrichment activities are solely for civilian purposes. Israeli claims to the contrary have been strongly rejected.
In retaliation for continued Israeli attacks, Iranian missiles have struck multiple sites across Israel, injuring at least 40 people.
According to Iranian sources, Israel has killed 78 people, including senior military commanders, and wounded over 320 in its ongoing air raids on Iranian cities, military installations, and nuclear sites.
Ayatollah Khamenei has warned Israel that it “must expect severe punishment” for what he described as the “crime” of attacking Iran and killing several high-ranking military officers and six nuclear scientists.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed that the military operation will continue “as long as necessary”.
Meanwhile, the United States has sought to distance itself from Israel’s offensive while cautioning Iran not to target American military bases in the region.
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