Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi strongly asserted on Saturday that the continuation of indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States is unjustifiable, especially in light of what he described as Israel's "continued brutality." Speaking in a phone call with the European Union's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, Araghchi attributed Israel's recent hostile actions to direct support from the United States, according to a statement released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry. This firm stance underscores Iran's current priorities amidst escalating regional tensions.

Araghchi emphasized Iran's right to self-defense, stating that the country had delivered a decisive response to Israel's "aggression" in order to protect its national sovereignty, people, and security. He affirmed Iran's determination to exercise its "legitimate" right to take countermeasures against any threats. His remarks come after a series of significant events that have further heightened tensions in the West Asia region, including recent military exchanges between the two adversaries.

The Iranian Foreign Minister also condemned a recent anti-Iran resolution proposed by France, Britain, Germany, and the United States, which was adopted by the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency concerning Tehran's nuclear program. Araghchi explicitly stated that this resolution provided a pretext for Israel's attacks against Iran's nuclear facilities, highlighting a perceived link between diplomatic pressures and military actions. He unequivocally condemned Israel's actions, which he described as violations of Iran's sovereignty and territorial integrity, specifically mentioning attacks on the country's nuclear facilities and residential areas. He called for a decisive global response and international condemnation of what he termed Israel's "aggression."

For her part, Kaja Kallas, the EU's foreign policy chief, expressed deep regret and concern over the escalating tensions in the West Asia region. She conveyed the European Union's readiness to support diplomatic efforts within the UN Security Council and other international bodies. The EU's objective, according to Kallas, is to help reduce these tensions and work towards restoring peace and security to the volatile region, signaling a diplomatic push to de-escalate the situation.

The context for these diplomatic exchanges and military actions includes a series of Omani-mediated indirect talks between Iran and the United States. These talks, which commenced in April, have seen five rounds focused on Tehran's nuclear program and the potential removal of U.S. sanctions. The sixth round was initially scheduled to take place on Sunday in Muscat, the capital of Oman. However, recent events have cast a shadow over these planned discussions.

The immediate catalyst for Iran's heightened response was Israel's launch of airstrikes early Friday. These strikes targeted Iran's capital Tehran and other cities across the country, resulting in the deaths of a number of top Iranian military commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians. In retaliation, Iran responded later on Friday night by launching a salvo of ballistic missiles against military targets within Israel, marking a direct military confrontation between the two nations.

Commenting on Iran's decision regarding its participation in the anticipated sixth round of talks with the United States, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei issued a clear statement. He indicated a shift in Iran's immediate focus, stating, "Under the present circumstances, our main focus is on confronting the enemy's aggression." This statement from Baghaei further solidifies the position articulated by Foreign Minister Araghchi, indicating that Iran's current priority is addressing the perceived aggression rather than continuing diplomatic negotiations under the current climate of hostility.