Trump Rebukes Tulsi Gabbard Over ‘Wrong’ Iran Nuke Assessment

On Friday, Israel and Iran engaged in heavy fire for the eighth day in a row, with Israeli jets targeting military and nuclear facilities throughout Iran and Iranian missiles hitting Israeli cities. Even as leading diplomats convened in Geneva in an unsuccessful attempt to defuse the situation, the escalation continued.

President Trump once again criticized his Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, claiming that she and her team were “wrong” in their assessment when asked if Iran could develop nuclear weapons using its current capabilities.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the leader of Iran, had not approved the nuclear weapons program he halted in 2003, according to Gabbard’s March testimony on Capitol Hill, which stated that Iran is not developing a nuclear weapon.

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Iranian missiles damaged a mosque and several buildings in Beersheba and Haifa, causing at least 23 injuries.

While air raid sirens were sounding in northern Israel, a woman in a shelter passed away from a heart attack.

Israeli airstrikes struck missile and nuclear facilities in Tehran, Tabriz, Kermanshah, and Rasht.

Iran’s government websites are still unavailable for a fourth day, and the internet is still mostly shut down.

Despite ongoing strikes, large crowds of Tehran residents marched in support of the regime.

The Geneva talks between European powers and Iran ended without any significant progress.

Within two weeks, President Trump said, he will determine whether the U.S. A. will take part in Israel’s military operation.

The live updates are over.

EDT: 08:10.

Watch as JD Vance calls Senator Alex Padilla “Jose.”.

Vance was fielding questions on Friday when one reporter brought up the recent forcible removal of California Senator Alex Padilla from a press conference earlier this month hosted by Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem.

Vance remarked, “Well, I was hoping Jose Padilla would be here to ask a question, but unfortunately I guess he decided to show up because there was no theater.”. “And it’s just that. I believe that everyone understands what this is. “.

When Vance made his statement, he was in Los Angeles, where the Trump administration was trying to put an end to protests against ICE raids that targeted areas with large immigrant populations and labor-intensive industries.

View Sonam Sheth’s complete story on Newsweek.

EDT 07:11.

Donald Trump might “change” his mind about Jerome Powell.

In a post on Truth Social on Friday, President Donald Trump once more criticized Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell for not raising interest rates, this time implying that he might fire Powell.

One of over a dozen central bank officials who vote on the bank’s interest rate is Powell, who serves as the head of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC). Trump has attempted to persuade Powell to lower interest rates, something Powell has continuously refused to do, but his tenure as Fed chair ends next year.

Trump is furious that Powell has not lowered interest rates because he feels that they are impeding the growth of the American economy.

According to Trump’s post from Friday, “I don’t know why the Board doesn’t override this Total and Complete Moron! Maybe, just maybe, I’ll have to change my mind about firing him? But anyway, his Term ends shortly!”.

In his post, Trump once again attacked Powell, calling him a “numbskull,” and claimed to have “tried it all different ways” to persuade the Fed chair to lower interest rates: “I’ve been nice, I’ve been neutral, and I’ve been nasty, and nice and neutral didn’t work! He’s a dumb guy, and an obvious Trump Hater, who should never have been there, I listened to someone that I shouldn’t have listened to, and Biden shouldn’t have reappointed him.”. “.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency’s director, Bill Pulte, who oversees Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, also demanded that Powell resign if he did not lower short-term interest rates.

06:11 PM EDT.

Trump’s Remark That Tulsi Gabbard Was “Wrong” About Iran Spurs Her Reaction.

After Trump claimed that Tulsi Gabbard was “wrong” in her assessment of Iran’s nuclear threat, Gabbard responded on Friday.

Gabbard wrote in a post on X: “The manipulative media is purposefully misrepresenting my testimony and disseminating false information in order to create division. According to American intelligence, Iran is now capable of producing a nuclear weapon in a matter of weeks to months, provided they choose to complete the assembly. I agree with President Trump when he says that’s not possible. “.”.

Then Gabbard shared a video of her entire testimony online.

Check out Sonam Sheth and Gabe Whisnant’s complete story at Newsweek.

05:21 EDT.

Trump claims that the European allies, not the US, should receive the higher NATO spending target.

President Donald Trump responded to his recommendation that NATO members boost their defense budgets during a press conference on Friday afternoon, stating the U.S. A. wouldn’t have to match.

Regarding a plan to require NATO members to allocate 5% of their GDP to defense, Trump stated, “I don’t think we should, but I think they should.”. As of right now, 23 out of 32 members have reached the two percent target.

According to Trump, the U. S. . has “been supporting NATO so long” and wouldn’t have to raise its own expenditures, which were estimated to be 3—4 percent of GDP in 2023.

With 4 points 12 percent, Poland leads the NATO member spending chart. Estonia comes in second with 3 points 43 percent, followed by the United States. S. .

4:00 PM EDT.

Trump claims that the intelligence community and Gabbard are “wrong” about Iran’s nuclear threat.

Trump rejected the U.S. S. director of national intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and her staff are “wrong” about Iran’s nuclear capabilities, according to the intelligence community’s assessment released on Friday.

EDT 03:51.

Amid the Israel-Iran conflict, thousands need US assistance.

Over 25,000 people have reached out to the U.S. S. . According to spokesperson Tammy Bruce, the State Department is looking for information regarding the growing conflict between Iran, Israel, and the West Bank.

Bruce stated Friday that some people might be looking into their options for leaving, even though the majority of the questions were for general updates. For Americans living in Israel and Iran, the department has opened a crisis intake form where they can ask for help or updates.

Bruce stressed that the U. A. urges Iranian citizens to depart via the country’s current land or commercial routes, as it does not intend to provide direct government-assisted withdrawals.

Here in Israel, U. S. According to Ambassador Mike Huckabee, plans are in place to organize evacuation via military, commercial, charter, and cruise ships. It is recommended that Americans sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program in order to receive the most recent alerts.

3:38 PM EDT.

Putin claims that Israel promised to defend Russians at the nuclear site in Iran.

Speaking at the St. Russian President Vladimir Putin said at the Petersburg International Economic Forum on Friday that, in the face of growing tensions between the two nations, he had obtained an agreement from Israel to protect Russian workers at Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant. Furthermore, he asserted that President Trump had consented to Russia’s request for the site’s workers to be protected.

According to Putin, Moscow has put forward ideas for an Iran-Israel settlement that are currently being discussed. He underlined that Russia maintains close ties with both countries and denied rumors that it was deserting its ally, Tehran.

Putin turned his attention to Ukraine and cautioned that more territorial losses might result from persistent opposition to Russian demands. According to him, Russian forces have moved about 10 kilometers into the Sumy region of Ukraine in an effort to establish a buffer zone. Although he denied any plans to take Sumy, he did not rule it out.

Putin portrayed the economy as being in good shape, pointing to early 2025 growth of 1 percent and a decline in inflation to 9 percent. He insisted that Russia’s economy was diversifying beyond energy exports, dismissing his own ministers’ warnings of an impending recession.

EDT 03:25.

In Geneva, European powers and Iran have “serious” nuclear talks.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held high-level discussions on Iran’s nuclear program in Geneva on Friday with his counterparts from the E3 countries of Germany, France, and the United Kingdom as well as the head of the European Union’s foreign policy.

The nearly three-and-a-half-hour meeting was characterized as “respectful and serious,” with each party offering their viewpoints, according to Iran’s official news agency IRNA. Araghchi’s earlier speech to the UN Human Rights Council prompted the talks.

03:11 PM EDT.

Iranian missiles destroyed the historic Haifa mosque.

Friday’s Iranian missile strike on Haifa damaged the Great Mosque of Haifa, also known as the al-Jarina Mosque, which dates back to the Ottoman era and sent shockwaves through the city’s downtown. A significant center of worship for the local Muslim community, the 18th-century structure sustained structural damage and had its stained glass windows broken.

According to Omar Hussein, the deputy imam and muezzin of the mosque, his father was taken to the hospital after suffering minor injuries in the explosion. He expressed worry about the mosque’s inadequate shelter, describing it as a major risk for worshipers amid the ongoing fighting.

Hussein expressed his hope that the conflict will soon come to an end, saying, “It’s a significant mosque that serves Muslims in the city and nearby towns.”.

02:56 PM EDT.

As the conflict intensifies, Iran and Israel exchange accusations at the UN.

The ambassadors of Israel and Iran traded scathing accusations about the conflict, which is now in its second week, escalating tensions at the UN Security Council on Friday.

Amir Saeid Iravani, Iran’s UN ambassador, accused Israel and its allies of breaking international law while defending his nation’s military actions as self-defense. The Council should step in and hold Israel responsible, he urged.

Accusing Iravani of “playing the victim,” Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon vehemently disputed Iran’s claims, saying Israel would not stop its campaign until Iran’s military and nuclear capabilities were destroyed.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for an immediate ceasefire and a return to negotiations, warning that the conflict could quickly spiral out of control.

EDT: 02:42.

Israeli strikes in Gaza killed dozens, and many people were looking for help.

Local health officials say that at least 82 Palestinians were killed by Israeli airstrikes that continued throughout the Gaza Strip on Friday. 23 people were killed in Gaza City, 22 in the south, and 37 in central Gaza, where most of the victims were allegedly looking for aid.

34 of the dead were identified as aid seekers, underscoring the increasing dangers that civilians trying to obtain food and supplies in the midst of the conflict face. The attacks coincide with a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which includes mass evictions, food shortages, and restricted access to healthcare.

EDT at 2:30.

Iran and Europe’s Geneva talks come to a standstill.

No agreement was reached on Iran’s nuclear program during diplomatic negotiations between Iranian and European officials that concluded Friday in Geneva. CNN quoted an Iranian source with knowledge of the talks as saying that the meeting started off with heated arguments as both parties leveled accusations about previous grievances and the U.S. A. abandonment of the nuclear agreement from 2015.

However, following a pause, the source claims that the tone changed and that the second half of the discussions was “much more positive.”. Iran insisted on its uranium enrichment stance, referring to it as a red line that cannot be negotiated, despite the improved atmosphere.

The meeting was the first direct interaction between Iran and the E3 (the UK, Germany, and France) since the most recent regional escalation.

02:17 EDT.

What Iran has and could use from its missile arsenal.

Iran hit major Israeli cities with a massive missile barrage on Friday. Residents are being urged to seek shelter immediately as part of nationwide alerts, according to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). To eliminate the threat, the IDF added, “At this time, the Air Force is working to intercept and attack wherever necessary.”.

The missile assaults follow Israel’s airstrikes on Iranian military installations last week, which sparked an intensifying conflict. One of the biggest missile campaigns in recent regional history has seen Tehran launch more than 400 missiles into Israel since that time. This calls into question Iran’s remaining missile stockpile and the future of the war.

Israel and Iran’s foreign ministers have been contacted by Newsweek for comment.

A key component of Iran’s strategy against Israel, missiles influence the scope and length of the conflict. Knowing how many missiles Iran has launched and how many more it has left provides vital information about the future ferocity of the conflict and the efficiency of missile defenses. Although a broader regional escalation is prevented by Iran’s missile threat, Tehran’s capacity to maintain pressure is uncertain due to the size and state of its missile stockpiles. increased U in the meantime. S. Iran’s missile strategy and the stability of the region are complicated by military support for Israel and threats of potential intervention.

Visit Newsweek to read the complete article by Amir Daftari.

EDT: 02:04.

Iran’s foreign minister calls for accountability and claims that the nuclear program is peaceful.

Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi warned that attacks on such facilities by a nation outside of WMD treaties constitute a serious violation of international law, while defending Iran’s nuclear program as completely peaceful and protected by IAEA safeguards in a Friday interview with reporters in Geneva.

“I am deeply concerned that Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and the European Union have not condemned recent strikes on Iranian nuclear sites,” Araghchi said. Iran is still amenable to diplomatic relations, he said, but only after the fighting stops and the aggressor is captured.

Tehran is prepared to meet again “in the near future,” he said, adding that while Iran’s defense capabilities are non-negotiable, he supports ongoing talks with European powers. “.”.

12:59 PM Eastern Daylight Time.

If Bushehr is attacked, the IAEA chief warns of disastrous consequences.

Rafael Grossi, the director of Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant, issued a dire warning Friday that a direct attack could cause a massive radioactive leak that would put people in the region in danger.

At a UN Security Council meeting, Grossi said that Bushehr is the Iranian nuclear site where an attack would have the “most serious” effects, pointing out that it has thousands of kilograms of nuclear material.

He underlined that even a strike that cuts off the plant’s power supplies could result in a meltdown of the reactor core, with possible fallout extending hundreds of kilometers.

According to Grossi, regional governments have spoken with him directly to voice their concerns and issue a warning that such an incident may necessitate food safety precautions, iodine distribution, and evacuations throughout nearby nations.

EDT 12:43.

Due to security concerns, the UK has withdrawn its embassy staff from Iran.

Because of the “current security situation” in Iran, the UK has temporarily removed its diplomatic personnel from Tehran, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said in a statement.

A spokesperson stated on Friday that “our embassy continues to operate remotely,” stressing that the action is a preventative step to protect British staff.

The UK government emphasized its commitment to safeguarding its employees and British nationals in the area and restated its longstanding warning against traveling to Iran at all.

The move comes as a number of Western countries are reevaluating their diplomatic presence in Iran as tensions between the two countries continue to rise.

12:30 PM EDT.

If Trump stops Israeli strikes, Iran says diplomacy is possible.

According to Iranian presidential spokesperson Majid Farahani, if President Donald Trump directs Israel to halt its military campaign against Iran, diplomatic relations with the West could “easily” resume, as reported by CNN. While stressing Iran’s willingness to engage in “civilian dialogue,” Farahani reaffirmed that negotiations cannot take place as long as Israeli strikes persist.

In addition, he reiterated Iran’s position on nuclear enrichment, stating that while some compromises might be possible, the program would not be stopped. “We don’t stop it,” he said, “but maybe it can be lower.”.

With France, the UK, and Germany meeting Iran’s foreign minister in Geneva for the first direct talks since the conflict started, the remarks coincide with European powers’ push for zero enrichment. Trump has given himself two weeks to engage in diplomatic efforts before determining whether to launch a U.S. S. assault on Iran’s nuclear installations.

EDT 12:15.

Iran is referred to as the “principal source of instability” by the US envoy to the UN.

Shea, Dorothy Camille, the acting U. S. . vehemently denounced Iran as the “principal source of instability and terror in the Middle East” during a Security Council meeting on Friday. “..”.

She called on the international community to hold Iran responsible for its actions and issued a warning that Tehran has the capacity to produce a nuclear weapon.

EDT 12:02.

IAEA’s Grossi describes a nuclear catastrophe in Iran if Israel strikes Bushehr.

In a detailed description of the catastrophic effects of a strike on operational nuclear reactors in Iran, the head of the UN’s atomic energy watchdog said that Israel is still bombarding facilities it claims are connected to Tehran’s nuclear bomb program.

According to Iran, its program is for civilian energy and it has no intention of developing a nuclear weapon. However, the amount of uranium that Iran has enriched is far higher than what is required for civilian energy and is only a step away from what is required for nuclear weapons.

The main issue is the Bushehr nuclear power plant in Iran, Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), told a United Nations Security Council meeting on Friday. The plant has not yet been struck by Israel.

Grossi informed the meeting that since it is an operational plant, “it houses thousands of kilograms of nuclear material.” “This is the nuclear site in Iran where the consequences of an attack would be the most serious,” he said. “.

“Over the past few hours, countries from the region have contacted me directly to voice their concerns, and I want to make it absolutely and completely clear,” Grossi stated.

Visit Newsweek to read Dan Gooding and Shane Croucher’s complete story.

11.49 a.m. EDT.

Iran’s ongoing conflict is causing a near-total internet blackout.

With connectivity falling to just 3% on Wednesday, Iran’s internet access is still severely restricted 48 hours after authorities implemented broad restrictions, according to monitoring group NetBlocks.

The blackout comes after the pro-Israel hacker collective Predatory Sparrow claimed responsibility for a cyberattack on Bank Sepah, one of Iran’s biggest financial institutions. The attack put additional strain on vital infrastructure and interfered with ATM services.

Rolling internet outages have been plaguing Iran since Israeli airstrikes started last week, especially in major cities like Tehran where business closures and evacuations have accelerated. While detractors contend that the limitations also restrict access to critical information in times of national emergency, officials claim the measures stop additional cyber intrusions.

EDT 11:36 a.m.

Russia says the West and IAEA are supporting Iran’s fabricated nuclear claims.

Speaking in a U. N. . Nebenzya said at the Security Council meeting that by endorsing what he described as false narratives, these countries and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) were “complicit” in Israel’s recent attacks on Iran.

Along with criticizing Western participants in the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, Nebenzya said their actions had exacerbated tensions and hampered diplomatic attempts. His comments were made as global anxiety over the Israeli-Iranian conflict and the future of nuclear talks grew.

11:00 AM EDT.

As the conflict intensifies, Switzerland closes its embassy in Tehran.

The “intensity of military operations” and the precarious security situation in Iran were the reasons given by Switzerland for the temporary closure of its embassy in Tehran on Friday. All foreign employees have safely departed the country and will return when circumstances allow, according to confirmation from the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs.

Bern stressed that despite the closure, Switzerland will remain a diplomatic bridge between the United States and Iran, a position it has maintained since the 1979 U.S. A. hostage situation at the embassy. According to the government, communications can still be sent “as and when both parties consider appropriate.”. “..”.

EDT 10:54.

New sanctions against people and organizations related to Iran are imposed by the US.

The U. S. Targeting over 30 people, organizations, and a vessel connected to what officials referred to as a “shadow banking” network that supports Iran’s oil trade and nuclear aspirations, the Treasury Department announced a new round of sanctions against Iran on Friday.

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed the sanctions in an effort to sabotage financial networks that are purportedly used by Tehran to finance its regional proxies and missile programs. The United Arab Emirates and Hong Kong are home to a number of designated entities that are charged with using exchange houses and front companies to launder billions of dollars.

10.22 a.m. EDT.

The Israeli envoy calls on Europe to insist that Iran’s nuclear program be completely rolled back.

In a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Geneva on Friday, Daniel Meron, Israel’s ambassador to the UN, stated that he anticipates European foreign ministers will demand a comprehensive dismantling of Iran’s nuclear program.

Speaking prior to the negotiations, Meron urged France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas to adopt a strong posture, demanding that Iran stop supporting regional proxies and reduce its ballistic missile arsenal.

Araghchi, however, has reaffirmed that Iran’s missile program is off the table and ruled out talks while Israeli strikes continue. Since the conflict started last week, this Geneva meeting is the first time Iranian and Western officials have met directly.

10:09 A.M. EDT.

As the second week of the war begins, European and Iranian leaders meet in Geneva.

Abbas Araghchi, the foreign minister of Iran, arrived in Geneva on Friday for a crucial meeting with the foreign policy chief of the European Union, as well as his counterparts from France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Since Israel began its military campaign against Iran a week ago, these discussions represent the first face-to-face meeting between Iranian and Western officials.

Araghchi said he was open to talking with European leaders but reiterated that Iran has “nothing to discuss” with the United States while Israeli strikes are ongoing prior to the meeting.

David Lammy, the British Foreign Secretary, said there is now a two-week window to achieve a diplomatic breakthrough and prevent further escalation. Lammy traveled to Geneva following consultations in Washington.

EDT 09:54 a.m.

Europe and Iran meet in Geneva for nuclear talks amidst Israel’s war.

Amid the second week of the war with Israel, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with leading European diplomats in Geneva on Friday for urgent discussions centered on Iran’s nuclear program. Since the start of the conflict, the meeting was the first time Iranian and Western officials had spoken directly.

Reiterating that Iran would not interact with the US as long as Israeli strikes persisted, Araghchi referred to Washington as “a partner in these crimes.”. He did, however, add that Iran was amenable to discussion, albeit not formal negotiations, with European leaders.

Foreign ministers from France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the head of the European Union’s foreign policy participated in the discussions. French President Emmanuel Macron characterized the offer as “comprehensive, diplomatic, and technical.”. “.”.

In line with Trump’s timeline for determining whether to launch a U.S. invasion, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated that there is now a two-week window to reach a diplomatic solution. S. . attack on the Fordo enrichment facility in Iran.

Araghchi and Iran’s supreme leader insisted that any discussions would be limited to nuclear and regional issues and that missile capabilities were not for discussion.

Iranian enrichment levels, which can reach 60 percent, have become a growing threat, according to European leaders who mediated the initial nuclear agreement in 2015. Additionally, they have indicated that if Iran does not cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency, sanctions will be reinstated.

09:41 A.M. EDT.

17 injured after the most recent missile strike are evacuated by MDA.

Three individuals in critical condition are among the 17 people being treated and evacuated by Magen David Adom emergency teams after being injured in the most recent missile attack. A 16-year-old boy who sustained an upper body shrapnel wound and two adults, ages 40 and 54, who suffered lower limb injuries are on the list.

According to MDA, 14 other people suffered minor shrapnel injuries. Teams are still searching other locations for casualties, and as the situation progresses, more updates are anticipated.

EDT 09:40 a.m.

Under Israeli assault, Iranians band together.

People in Tehran and other major cities are sheltering in underground garages, metro stations, and basements as Israeli missiles target Iran.

Despite the persistent fear and uncertainty, a strong sense of defiance and camaraderie has surfaced. “We will always defend our country, regardless of governments,” a resident of Tehran told Newsweek.

Iranians are banding together—sharing food, information, and shelter—to weather the crisis rather than fracturing under fear.

The war’s most immediate effects are felt in the day-to-day lives of civilians, even though the headlines highlight the military conflict between Israel and Iran. Due to the already low level of trust in official institutions, many Iranians are relying on mutual aid and grassroots collaboration to stay informed and safe. Decades of authoritarian rule, turmoil, and sanctions have created strong social ties that are frequently missed by outsiders. Additionally, although some foreigners had hoped that pressure from other countries would lead to an uprising, the strikes have brought Iranians together to defend their nation and support one another, even if they do not naturally support its current rulers.

Visit Newsweek to read Amir Daftari’s complete story.

EDT 09:23.

When Israel is hit by an Iranian missile barrage, a teenager is gravely injured.

After a new round of Iranian missile strikes, Israel’s national ambulance service announced Friday that it was taking a man with moderate injuries and a teenager with serious injuries to the hospital, according to The New York Times.

Two people were involved: a 54-year-old man and a 16-year-old boy. One is in “moderate condition,” while the other is in “serious condition.”. “..”.

EDT 09:22 a.m.

Leading Senate Democrats caution Trump against striking Iran on his own.

In a joint statement on Wednesday, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer and top Democrats on important committees expressed their grave concerns about President Trump’s possible decision to strike Iran militarily.

Congress must approve any move toward war, the lawmakers warned, criticizing what they called a lack of planning, strategy, and specific goals.

“If he is considering taking the country to war, the president must come to Congress,” the statement said, pleading with Trump to put diplomacy first and seek a legally binding deal to stop Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

The Democrats also mentioned the necessity of safeguarding U. S. warning local residents and military personnel against a hasty escalation that might put American lives in jeopardy.

9:00 AM EDT.

Iraqis demonstrate against the Israel-Iran war in large numbers.

Prominent cleric Muqtada al-Sadr called for nationwide protests against the Israel-Iran conflict, which sparked Friday’s marches in Baghdad and other cities.

After Friday prayers, crowds gathered in Sadr City’s streets, chanting slogans and waving flags. “No to Israel” was written on banners held by demonstrators in Najaf, echoing al-Sadr’s call to condemn “Zionist and American terrorism.”. “.

08:53 EDT.

Under Israeli fire, Iran says no to US talks and refuses to engage in diplomacy.

Calling the United States “a partner in this crime,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated Friday that Tehran will not negotiate with any nation as long as Israeli strikes persist. He claimed that Iran had repeatedly rejected Washington’s messages for talks in an interview with state broadcaster IRIB.

Iran has maintained that diplomacy is off the table as long as Israeli attacks continue, as Araghchi stated when he said, “There is no room for talking until this aggression stops.”.

However, he stated that Iran is receptive to hearing the opinions of European foreign ministers and confirmed plans to meet with them in Geneva. He went on, “We will not pass up any opportunity to protect Iran’s rights.”.

08:28 AM EDT.

As the second week of the war begins, European and Iranian leaders meet in Geneva.

In an attempt to find a diplomatic exit from the growing conflict with Israel, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Geneva on Friday for high-stakes negotiations with distinguished diplomats from France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the European Union.

Although Araghchi called the United States a “partner in these crimes” and ruled out talks with it, he did indicate that he was open to speaking with European leaders, but he made it clear that the discussions would only address regional and nuclear concerns, not Iran’s missile program.

Echoing President Trump’s timeline for determining whether to launch a U.S. invasion, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated that there is now a two-week window to reach a diplomatic solution. S. . impact on the Fordo enrichment site in Iran.

Although Tehran maintains that its nuclear program is peaceful, European leaders are anticipated to make a comprehensive offer aimed at reducing Iran’s nuclear activity. With a call for “serious and transparent readiness” to de-escalate, Germany’s foreign minister stated that Iran is the next to act.

Since the start of the conflict, this Geneva meeting represents the first direct interaction between Iranian and Western officials.

8:30 AM EDT.

Israeli attacks on nuclear infrastructure are denounced by Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia’s Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission declared on Friday that it is against international law for any military force to attack civilian nuclear facilities.

As part of its larger campaign against Tehran’s military and nuclear infrastructure, Israel has launched a number of airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, which the statement comes after.

According to the commission, “any armed attack by any party, or any threat targeting nuclear facilities designated for peaceful purposes, is a violation of international resolutions,” citing the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Statute and the UN Charter.

8:00 AM EDT.

In Iran, thousands of people demonstrate against Israel while brandishing Hezbollah flags.

Iranian cities and Tehran saw sizable crowds on Friday to express disapproval of Israel’s military actions. In addition to holding up posters of military leaders slain in recent attacks, protesters also waved national flags and chanted anti-Western slogans.

Showing support for Iran’s regional allies, state television showed scenes of crowded streets in the capital, with some participants holding Hezbollah’s yellow flags. The demonstrations coincide with rising hostilities with Israel and increasing demands for more extensive retaliation from Iranians.

7.46 a.m. EDT.

As Trump considers the U.S., Israel and Iran continue bombings. S. . part.

One week after the war started, Israel and Iran launched new attacks on each other on Friday. More than 60 targets were hit by Israeli aircraft, including a nuclear research organization and missile manufacturing facilities. Residential buildings were damaged when Iran launched missiles into southern Israel.

Before determining whether the U.S. A. would become involved in the dispute. Iran’s foreign minister is traveling to Geneva for negotiations with European diplomats, but he has stated that Tehran will not engage in negotiations until Israeli strikes cease.

With hundreds dead in Iran and dozens dead in Israel, the death toll has risen dramatically as international efforts to mediate a diplomatic solution step up.

03:33 AM EDT.

In western and central Iran, the Israeli Air Force targets military installations.

The Israeli Air Force acknowledged on Friday that it is actively attacking military targets in central and western Iran.

07:31 AM EDT.

US talks are off the table unless Israel stops its strikes, Iran says.

Just hours before a scheduled meeting with European officials in Geneva, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Tehran has ruled out speaking with the United States unless Israel stops its ongoing military strikes.

State media reported that Araghchi stated, “As long as the Israeli aggression persists, we are not prepared to negotiate with any party.”. Washington has sent messages suggesting direct talks, but Iran has rejected the offer, he said. “We made it very clear to the Americans that there would be no talks as long as the attacks continued. We are defending ourselves in accordance with our legal right,” he declared.

Newsweek has requested comments from Iran’s foreign ministry and the State Department.

Visit Newsweek to read Amir Daftari’s complete story.