Tehran has ruled out any talks with the United States on a ceasefire, with Iranian defence officials stating that no discussions will be held, according to reports.
The statement comes amid escalating hostilities in West Asia, where Iran says it is facing attacks involving Israel and the US, while Iran continues retaliatory strikes. Iran’s military reportedly shot down a US F-15 over Kuwait, with the aircraft crashing into a mobile phone tower; the pilot survived.
US President Donald Trump had issued a warning calling on Iran’s military, Revolutionary Guard and police to lay down arms and surrender, while also saying he was open to talks. Trump also claimed Iran was prepared to speak with the US.
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council secretary Ali Larijani rejected that assertion. Separately, Iranian defence officials reiterated that ceasefire negotiations with Washington are not on the table.
For a third consecutive day, Iran has continued attacks targeting Kuwait, leading to suspended operations at airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Kuwait. Missile strikes have also been reported to cause loud blasts in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, while Iran also struck Cyprus, with the Cypriot government saying a British airbase suffered minor damage.
