Iran‑US tensions rise as Tehran rejects talks amid new strikes

Iran has told the United States that it will not resume nuclear negotiations unless Washington changes its policy, rejecting any return to the negotiating table under current conditions. The Iranian leadership stressed that any restart of talks requires a shift in the U.S. stance, while also warning of revenge for the killing of the former Supreme Leader’s father.

At the same time, the new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, delivered a firm message that retaliation for his father’s death is a national demand. Iranian state media reported new air‑strike damage to facilities in two cities, though a U.S. official denied American involvement and Israeli officials said they had no role. The U.S. carrier USS Abraham Lincoln remains on standby in the region, while diplomatic contacts continue through Qatar and Pakistan to seek a diplomatic solution to the nuclear dispute.

The ongoing uncertainty heightens regional security risks and could affect global energy markets, but both sides say direct communication channels remain open.