Iran rejects US talks amid ongoing 'war crimes'

2026-03-12 - 12:03

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei declared Thursday that Tehran finds it impossible to entertain US proposals for dialogue or ceasefire discussions while facing ongoing attacks that Iranian officials characterize as war crimes. The statement, carried by state news agency IRNA, represents a significant hardening of Tehran's position amid continued hostilities that began Feb. 28 when the US and Israel launched joint military operations against Iran. "We cannot accept that the enemy sometimes speaks about dialogue and negotiations, while at the same time we face war crimes," Baghaei asserted, emphasizing that Iran has now experienced this contradictory situation twice in less than a year. His remarks highlight Tehran's growing distrust of American diplomatic overtures made against a backdrop of military confrontation that has claimed approximately 1,300 Iranian lives, including several senior officials. Negotiations interrupted by attacks Baghaei revealed that prior to the current escalation, Iran had been engaged in serious diplomatic efforts, negotiating "in good faith" through channels that appeared close to producing results. He specifically referenced the latest round of US-Iran nuclear talks concluded in Geneva under Omani mediation in late February, where both sides had described the atmosphere as "serious and constructive." "But the US and Israel carried out military attacks while negotiations were underway," the spokesman stated, adding: "We were in the middle of negotiations and they committed this crime." This sequence of events has fundamentally undermined confidence in Washington's willingness to pursue diplomatic solutions, according to Iranian officials, who argue that meaningful dialogue cannot proceed while military operations continue. Retaliatory operations continue Tehran has responded to the US-Israeli offensive with sustained drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf nations hosting American military assets. The conflict has drawn in multiple regional actors, disrupted global energy markets, and raised fears of broader conflagration. As hostilities persist without diplomatic resolution, Baghaei's statement suggests Iran will maintain its military response while viewing any future negotiations with deep skepticism absent fundamental changes in US behavior. Türkiye continues monitoring these developments closely, advocating for restraint while maintaining diplomatic channels with all parties to the conflict.