LONDON, June 16. /TASS/. Iranian officials have made it clear to mediators in Qatar and Oman that Tehran does not intend to engage in ceasefire talks with Israel as long as Israeli strikes persist, Reuters quoted a source.
"The Iranians informed Qatari and Omani mediators that they will only pursue serious negotiations once Iran has completed its response to the Israeli pre-emptive strikes," the source said.
The unnamed official told Reuters that Iran made "clear that it will not negotiate while under attack." The source also rejected media reports claiming that Iran had allegedly asked Oman and Qatar to urge the US to broker a ceasefire and resume nuclear talks as incorrect.
Overnight into June 13, Israel kicked off Operation Rising Lion aimed against Iran’s nuclear program. Iran responded in less than 24 hours. Israel and Iran exchanged strikes again on June 14 and in the early hours of June 15. Both parties reported casualties and damage, and admitted that a number of facilities had been hit, but said the damage was limited.