Tensions in the Middle East: Iran and the U
S. Conduct Secret Negotiations Following Israeli Strikes According to international sources, the regional situation is escalating, with behind-the-scenes but significant diplomatic contacts taking place between Tehran and Washington in response to sudden military actions by the Israeli army against Iran. Major global agencies report that several important phone conversations on this matter have already occurred, but no official information about them has been released yet. Reuters reports that the trilateral diplomatic engagements were initiated by both sides to explore potential de-escalation pathways. During phone calls held late last week, hypothetical diplomatic options for resolving the worsening situation amid ongoing military escalation were discussed. A source told the agency that Iranian Foreign Minister Abdollahian reportedly stated that Tehran is willing to demonstrate flexibility regarding its nuclear program, but only if the United States can persuade Israel to cease its use of force and begin negotiations. Another source indicated that the first call between Vytkoff and Abdollahian was initiated precisely by the United States, which also reportedly proposed a new diplomatic offer. This initiative aims to break the deadlock in negotiations and stop the escalation of the conflict. Furthermore, it is reported that during these exchanges, the parties briefly discussed a U.S. proposal sent to Tehran at the end of May. The document envisions the creation of a regional uranium enrichment consortium outside Iran, which could serve as a compromise solution regarding Iran’s nuclear program. Meanwhile, ahead of scheduled diplomatic meetings in Geneva on Friday, active discussions are underway about subsequent steps. Participants include representatives from leading European countries—France, Germany, and the United Kingdom—as well as the European Union’s chief diplomat. These negotiations aim to find a resolution on the nuclear issue, particularly in light of upcoming regional developments. Another significant voice amid this tense situation is UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who urged the U.S. administration to keep diplomatic avenues open and avoid rushing into hostile steps against Tehran. He emphasized that seeking a compromise capable of preventing a large-scale war should remain a priority in the foreign policy of Western countries. Overall, the recent events surrounding Israel and Iran underscore once again the complexity and multifaceted nature of the Middle Eastern situation, where the risk of conflict escalation grows by the hour. Global leaders are once more calling for restraint and advocating for diplomatic solutions to prevent even more devastating consequences for the region and the international community as a whole.