The regime in Iran has reportedly sent an “urgent message” to Israel and the US, calling for an end to the ongoing war and a renewal of nuclear negotiations.
According to the Wall Street Journal, diplomats in Tehran have been “signaling” their willingness to come back to the table via Arab intermediaries amid a significant bombardment from the Israeli Air Force (IAF).
Citing “Middle Eastern and European officials”, the report suggests that the Islamic Republic is prepared to wind down the exchange of missile fire with Israel, claiming that the regime has been “battered” by the salvos.
The unprecedented conflict was sparked last week when the IDF and Mossad put Operation Rising Lion into effect, disabling Iranian air defences before launching a wave of drones from within the country’s borders to severely damage several nuclear sites.
The assault had reportedly been planned for more than a year, but was given the green light after talks between Tehran and Washington over a new deal restricting the former’s nuclear programme stalled.
Following several days of bombardment, a message was reportedly sent to Israel emphasising that it is “in the interest of both sides to keep the violence contained”.
The regime’s key objective is understood to be preventing the US from directly involving itself in the conflict given its immense defence capabilities.
One Arab official told the outlet: “The Iranians know the US is supporting Israel in its defence, and they are sure the US is supporting Israel logistically.
"But they want guarantees the US won’t join the attacks.”
In return, Iran is said to be indicating a willingness to revive failed nuclear talks, though the report added that there is “no indication” it is willing to make fresh concessions to secure a deal.
Most significantly, it appears that Tehran giving up its programme of uranium enrichment – a major sticking point in the negotiations – is still off the table.
Iranian officials have long maintained that the country has the right to enrich uranium to develop a civilian atomic energy network, but Jerusalem remains convinced that the scheme is laying the groundwork for the development of nuclear weapons.
Washington has continually looked for a diplomatic solution, though President Trump did say last week that peace would not be possible if Iran was to obtain the bomb.
It comes as the IAF issued a historic evacuation order for parts of western Tehran.
The military confirmed that it would “operate in the area...to strike military facilities belonging to the Iranian regime” today.
Alongside the warning, written in Farsi, it provided a map showing a large section of western Tehran highlighted in red.
The alert advised: “Residents of Iran, for your health and safety, please evacuate the area marked as Square 3 according to the map.
“Your presence in this area endangers your life."
Shortly after, a number of explosions were reported in the city, while a statement from Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz indicated that the target was a regime-linked TV channel, which he described as a “propaganda and incitement mouthpiece”.
