Khamenei's top aide Larijani rules out negotiations with US after Trump says 'I have agreed to talk' — What's next for Iran

Amid ongoing conflict between Iran, the United States and Israel, Ali Larijani, the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran, in a statement on Monday (Mar 2) has said that his country won't negotiate with America. His response comes over a report by Wall Street Journal claiming that Larijani's initiatives to resume talks has been sent to Washington through intermediaries from Oman. However, Larijani dismissed the claims, while slamming US President Donald Trump. He said that US president has pushed the region into chaos with his "delusional fantasies." He claimed that Trump transformed his "America First" slogan into "Israel First" and sacrificed American soldiers for “Israel's power-hungry ambitions.”

The statement by Ali Larijani is important at the current juncture as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in an interview with Al Jazeera said that Iran “has always been open to diplomacy.” "This is the second time that we negotiated with Americans, and they decided to attack us right in the middle of the negotiation," Araqchi said while criticising the timing of the strikes. Moreover, US President Trump also hinted at resumption of talks by saying he was prepared for negotiations. However, he also said that operation would continue.

Also Read: 'I will be talking to them': Trump says Iran's new leaders want to talk after killing of Khamenei

What we know about Israel-US war with Iran?

The United States and Israel bombed Iran on Feb 28, in an operation that was named Operation Lion's Roar by Israel and Operation Epic Fury by the US. The Western powers described the attack as “preemptive”. The attack came in midst of nuclear talks between Iran and the US. The attack also came eight months after Israel launched a 12-day war against Iran.

Also Read: IRGC, Iranian military to side with Trump after 'immunity' offer? What we know

In retaliation, Iran launched missiles towards Israel and then attacked several US bases in Qatar, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain. On March 1, it was confirmed that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the attack by US and Israel. Iran retaliated with more force as several top leaders were killed in subsequent attacks. Iran said that US bases in neighbourhood are being seen as “American territory”, while Gulf nations warned Tehran against the attacks. As regional stability and peace vanished in thin air, Israel and the US said that attacks will continue for weeks.

The bombings are still continuing, with Iran's Axis of Resistance also having joined the fight. International community is reacting sharply with Russia, China and North Korea calling out America for its pre-emtive attack. US allies in Europe has extended help to America. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to several leaders in the Gulf including Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu and urged peace. The UN has appealed for immediate ceasefire.