Oman Confirms Cancellation of Iran–US Talks After Israeli Airstrikes

News Desk 

Islamabad: The sixth round of nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States has been officially cancelled, as confirmed by Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi. The decision comes amid soaring tensions in the Middle East following a deadly escalation between Iran and Israel.

Speaking to the media, Albusaidi announced that the scheduled talks, which were set for Sunday, would no longer take place. He stressed the importance of diplomacy, stating, “The only viable path to sustainable peace lies in diplomacy and dialogue.”

However, prior to the announcement from Oman, Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had already expressed its unwillingness to proceed with the talks.

A spokesperson from the Iranian Foreign Ministry declared the dialogue “meaningless under the current circumstances,” adding that Iran’s primary focus is now on defending itself against ongoing aggression.

“Engaging in dialogue with a party that is the main supporter and ally of the aggressor is fundamentally pointless,” the spokesperson said, referring to the United States’ backing of Israel.

The cancellation comes just one day after a major Israeli assault on Iranian territory. In the early hours of the morning, Israeli airstrikes reportedly killed several top Iranian military officials, including the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the Army Chief, and six senior nuclear scientists. According to Iranian media, at least 78 civilians were also killed and more than 320 injured, including women and children.

In a swift and forceful retaliation, Iran launched over 200 ballistic missiles overnight, many of which struck targets in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. While the Israeli military claimed to have intercepted several incoming missiles, social media footage showed multiple impacts in urban areas, including visible damage in Tel Aviv.

Preliminary reports from Israeli authorities confirmed that four Israeli civilians were killed and over 20 injured in the Iranian strikes.

As both sides brace for further escalation, diplomatic channels appear to be rapidly closing, raising fears of a broader regional conflict.