As nuclear diplomacy regains urgency, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced on Thursday he will travel to Geneva for high-level talks with European counterparts. The meeting includes representatives from France, Germany, Britain, and the EU’s top diplomat. Talks aim to address Iran’s nuclear program, amid rising conflict with Israel.
Missile Strikes Intensify
The Geneva announcement came just hours after Iran and Israel exchanged fresh missile strikes. One Iranian missile hit near Soroka Hospital in southern Israel. Iran claimed it targeted a military intelligence base nearby, not the hospital. Israel, however, called the strike deliberate and accused Iran of committing war crimes.
In response, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant ordered intensified attacks on strategic Iranian targets. He blamed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei directly and vowed accountability.
Iran Criticizes UN Nuclear Watchdog
Tensions also escalated on the diplomatic front. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei harshly criticized Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Baghaei accused Grossi of enabling Israel’s aggression by misrepresenting Iran’s nuclear intentions.
He said an IAEA resolution, which declared Iran in violation of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, gave Israel a pretext for its military actions. Iran continues to assert its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.
Read: Iranian Missile Hits Israeli Hospital Amid Escalating Conflict
Israel Strikes Nuclear Facilities
Israel confirmed it carried out fresh strikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, targeting the Arak reactor and Natanz enrichment site. According to Israeli officials, these facilities are key to potential plutonium production. Iran reported no casualties or radiation leaks but activated air defences near the Khondab site.
Global Leaders Call for Calm
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping spoke by phone. Both leaders condemned Israel’s attacks and urged de-escalation. Xi called for “major countries” to promote diplomacy in the region. The Kremlin emphasized there’s no military solution to the nuclear dispute.
The Geneva talks now carry heightened significance as regional and global powers scramble to prevent further escalation.
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