Iran Tells Qatar and Oman No Talks While Under Attack

Iran has informed regional mediators Qatar and Oman that it will not enter any negotiations while it remains under military assault, as tensions with Israel continue to spiral into a third consecutive day of strikes.

According to a diplomatic source who spoke with AFP on condition of anonymity, Iran made it clear that it will only consider serious negotiations after it completes its response to Israeli preemptive attacks. The source also dismissed claims that Iran had asked Qatar or Oman to engage the U.S. for a ceasefire or to resume nuclear talks.

So far, neither Qatar nor Oman have issued official comments, but both nations have historically played key roles in regional diplomacy. Qatar continues its efforts to mediate a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, while Oman has been actively involved in indirect nuclear negotiations between Iran and the U.S. since April. A sixth round of talks, expected to take place in Muscat on Sunday, was derailed by Israel's initial strikes on Iran last Friday.

Regional Tensions Soar
The escalating conflict comes amid already heightened instability in the Middle East following the October 7, 2023 genocide in Gaza. Israel’s latest attacks, justified as efforts to combat Iran’s nuclear capabilities, have killed at least 220 people in Iran—including 70 women and children—according to the country’s health ministry.

Iran, a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), continues to deny developing nuclear weapons, in contrast to Israel, which remains the only country in the region not party to the treaty.

Trump Weighs In
Former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed on Truth Social that he had previously given Iran a “60-day ultimatum” to strike a deal. As day 61 passed, he remarked that Iran may now have “a second chance.” Trump added on Sunday that a peace deal between Iran and Israel is possible, stating, “We will have PEACE, soon… Make the Middle East Great Again!”

Qatar’s Diplomatic Push
On Saturday, Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, emphasizing the urgent need to de-escalate tensions and prioritize diplomacy. A day earlier, Sheikh Tamim also spoke with Trump, who expressed the U.S.’s willingness to assist in regional stabilization efforts.

As the crisis continues, Gulf stock markets have begun to react, registering notable declines amid uncertainty over the regional fallout.

This latest development highlights the precarious nature of diplomacy in the Middle East, with active warfare threatening to unravel progress toward peace and nuclear de-escalation.