US Says No Talks With Iran While It Fires on Civilians

(NEW YORK, USA) – The United States has stated that it cannot negotiate with Iran while Tehran continues to fire on civilian targets. The position was set out by Deputy US Representative to the United Nations Tammy Bruce during a meeting of the UN Security Council.

Bruce said the United States prefers a diplomatic resolution to the conflict with Iran but is prepared to hold the country accountable for actions that challenge international peace and security. She expressed hope that Iran would choose to return to fulfilling its obligations and engage seriously in talks to reach a final agreement. However, she added that while dialogue remains possible, negotiation cannot take place while Iran refuses basic commitments, such as not firing on civilian objects.

The comments followed a week in which the United States carried out repeated strikes against Iran after Tehran shelled several vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump has said the US agreed to continue talks with Iran, but Washington informed Tehran that the ceasefire established by a memorandum of understanding between the two countries had ended.

Bruce told the Security Council that over the past week Iran had taken actions that contradict the essence and spirit of the understanding reached between the two sides. She called on the United Nations to remain fully engaged on the issue of Iran’s nuclear programme and said Tehran had violated international law and Security Council resolutions. Bruce added that President Trump prefers peace and urged other council members to support the tools available to the body.

The French representative at the meeting, Jerome Bonnafont, described Iran’s recent attacks in the Middle East as unacceptable. He said France would continue to work with all partners to contribute to efforts aimed at achieving a lasting diplomatic solution that ensures Iran never acquires nuclear weapons.

The US and its allies have been trying to balance military pressure with diplomatic channels, but the repeated incidents involving commercial vessels have made de escalation more difficult.