Iran rejects ceasefire talks while under Israeli attack

(Patria) - Iran has told mediators Qatar and Oman that it is not open to ceasefire talks while under Israeli attack, an official familiar with the communication told Reuters on Sunday, as the two enemies launched new attacks and sparked fears of a wider conflict.

"The Iranians have informed the Qatari and Omani mediators that they will only resume serious negotiations once Iran has completed its response to Israel's preemptive attacks," said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the conflict. Iran has "made it clear that it will not negotiate while under attack," the official said.

Israel launched a surprise attack on Iran on Friday morning, which destroyed the top echelon of Iran's military command and damaged its nuclear sites, and says the campaign will continue to escalate in the coming days. Iran vowed to "open the gates of hell" in retaliation in what emerged as the biggest conflict ever between long-time enemies.

The official told Reuters that media reports that Iran had appealed to Oman and Qatar to engage the United States to mediate a ceasefire and resume nuclear talks were inaccurate.

Oman has mediated nuclear talks between the US and Iran in recent months, although the last round was canceled the day after Israel launched an attack on Iran.
Qatar has also played a role in facilitating talks between the two enemies in the past, most recently mediating a prisoner exchange deal in 2023.

Oman and Qatar have good relations with both Iran and the US, and have also communicated directly with
Israel.