Iran will continue the struggle until the very last moment unless the attacks cease

Iran will continue the struggle until the very last moment unless the attacks cease

As the war in the Middle East intensifies, the hostility between Iran and Israel is escalating sharply. Just as the outside world is trying to save the possibility of diplomatic negotiations, the reality is increasingly showing that a "long-term conflict" may be inevitable.

Tehran saw an anti-Israel rally on Friday

Israel sends out war signal: preparing for a "long battle"

Israeli Foreign Minister Eyal Zamir bluntly warned in a video speech that Israel should prepare for a "long battle" with Iran, noting that "the days ahead will be difficult." At the same time, the IDF has stepped up its attacks on targets in Iran, with the latest round of airstrikes targeting Iranian missile storage and launch facilities.

The fighting quickly spread into the night as Iran fired missiles into central Israel, causing explosions and civilian casualties, leading to multiple explosions near Tel Aviv, Israel, and a house caught fire due to shrapnel.

Israel's ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon said his country would continue airstrikes against Iran. Pic: Reuters

Iran refuses to restart nuclear talks: self-defense is a "legitimate right"

As the war raged, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made his position clear when meeting with European diplomats in Geneva: Iran will never resume any diplomatic negotiations on its nuclear program until Israel "stops its aggression ." He reiterated that Iran's nuclear program is peaceful in nature and all current responses are legitimate acts of self-defense.

"Iran's defense capabilities are non-negotiable," he stressed.

This tough statement undoubtedly poured cold water on the diplomatic efforts of European countries that were actively mediating.

US pressure escalates: Trump issues "ultimatum"

US President Trump said that Iran has "up to two weeks" to avoid a possible US military strike , and sarcastically said "let's see if people can come to their senses."

He disagreed with the talks between Araghchi and EU representatives, and bluntly said: "Iran does not want to talk to Europe, they want to talk to us." This statement once again shows that the United States is trying to monopolize the negotiating power in this round of Middle East crisis.

European attitude: mediation efforts and warnings coexist

Despite the worsening situation, European countries are still trying to maintain diplomatic space. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said that the US ultimatum only left a "short window of time", while French Foreign Minister Barrot pointed out that "trying to resolve the Iranian issue militarily or to promote regime change is dangerous."

However, in the continuous air strikes and missile attacks, Europe's voice seems weak and powerless.

The cost of conflict: loss of life and increased nuclear risk

According to the Iranian Ministry of Health, at least 224 people have died in the past week , and unofficial statistics from human rights organizations put the death toll at 639. Israel confirmed 25 deaths , including a woman who died of a heart attack caused by the attack.

The IDF claimed that they had destroyed several Iranian missile launch sites and killed senior military commanders and nuclear scientists. Iran responded with a massive missile retaliation, continuing to escalate the conflict.

Outlook: On the brink of war, where is diplomacy heading?

As military confrontation escalates, the hope for nuclear negotiations becomes increasingly slim. Iran's tough stance and Israel's high-handed policy are pushing the Middle East to a dangerous tipping point.

If diplomatic mediation fails to achieve a breakthrough in a short period of time, this conflict, which is triggered by the nuclear issue and exacerbated by regional conflicts, is likely to evolve into a wider regional war. By then, not only Iran and Israel, but also the entire Middle East and even the international community will be involved in deeper turmoil.