Iran rejects ceasefire talks amid Israeli strikes

TEHRAN – Iran has firmly rejected engaging in ceasefire negotiations during ongoing Israeli attacks and has informed mediators Qatar and Oman of its decision, Reuters reported.

According to a senior Iranian official who spoke on condition of anonymity, Iran made it clear to both Qatari and Omani intermediaries that no negotiations would proceed until it has fully responded to Israel's preemptive strikes.

“Only after avenging these attacks will Iran consider serious diplomatic discussions,” the official stated.

The refusal to talk comes amid escalating hostilities, raising concerns of a broader regional conflict.

Read more: 24 Israelis killed in 370 ballistic missile attacks from Iran: Israeli PM Office

The same official denied media reports suggesting Iran had requested Qatar or Oman to mediate talks with the U.S. regarding a ceasefire or revival of the nuclear deal.

Neither the Iranian nor the Qatari and Omani foreign ministries responded to Reuters' requests for comment on the matter.

The tension in the region has sharply intensified since Friday morning, when Israel launched large-scale strikes on Iran, prompting Tehran to respond with its "Operation Wa'd-e-Sadiq 3." In light of the ongoing conflict, Iran also canceled its sixth round of previously scheduled talks with the United States on Sunday.