Mediator Says US-Iran Talks Were Near Deal Until Israel Launched a Pre-Emptive Attack

Smoke and sirens replaced diplomacy yesterday as the fragile talks of a US-Iran nuclear deal collapsed into open confrontation. According to Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi, who has mediated recent discussions, a peace agreement was 'within our reach,' with Iran agreeing to halt all nuclear material that could produce a bomb, under full International Atomic Energy Agency verification.

Before these terms could be finalised, Israel launched a pre-emptive strike on Iranian military and nuclear sites, with explosions shaking Tehran and several western cities, forcing residents to flee and leaving a tense standoff across the Gulf.

Diplomatic Breakthroughs on the Table

According to CBS News, Albusaidi acknowledged that substantial progress had been achieved in weeks of negotiations. He explained that Iran had committed to a 'zero accumulation, zero stockpiling' policy, with inspections conducted by the IAEA and potentially a US contingent. This marked the first time Iran publicly agreed to completely dismantle any nuclear material capable of producing weapons.

'The deal would have meant full verification, and no enrichment to weapons-grade levels,' Albusaidi told Margaret Brennan, adding that Iran had been willing to compromise on its nuclear programme. He said Iran's new position was better than the 2015 agreement, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, from which the US withdrew in 2018.

Despite this, US President Donald Trump has repeatedly insisted that Iran must stop all enrichment activities. 'Not 20%, 30%, they always want 20%, 30%, they want it for civilian... I think it's uncivil,' he told reporters, emphasising that any stockpiling of enriched uranium was unacceptable.

Israel's Role in the Escalation

The fragile negotiations were upended when Israel launched a pre-emptive attack on Tehran and western Iranian cities, targeting both nuclear and military facilities. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the strikes as a defence against what he called an 'existential threat,' citing Iran's long-range missiles and support for regional militant groups. Netanyahu emphasised that the action aimed to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons capable of threatening Israel or the United States.

The Israel Defense Forces confirmed Iran had launched retaliatory strikes, prompting sirens across the country. Civilians were urged to follow safety instructions while military forces intercepted missiles where possible. The IDF stressed that its operations were necessary to neutralise ongoing threats and that public vigilance remained essential.

Albusaidi expressed regret over the escalation. 'A little more time was needed to finalise details,' he said, noting that both sides were close to agreement on verification and the permanent halting of nuclear material that could be weaponised.

Why Israel Attacked First

Israel's pre-emptive strike on Iran was driven by long-standing security concerns over Tehran's nuclear programme and regional influence. Israeli officials, including Netanyahu, have consistently argued that Iran's development of enriched uranium, long-range missiles and support for proxy groups like Hezbollah poses an existential threat.

By acting first, Israel aimed to destroy critical nuclear and military infrastructure before Iran could potentially weaponise uranium or launch attacks against Israel or its allies. Intelligence reports suggested Iranian facilities were nearing operational capability, prompting Israel to act decisively.

The strike also sent a political message to the US and regional actors that Israel is willing to intervene militarily to neutralise perceived threats, even at the risk of escalating conflict.

US-Iran War Happening Now

Explosions were reported in Tehran and other cities today, while air raid sirens were heard across Israel as people were warned to prepare for possible retaliation. Iran has already promised a 'crushing response' and there are reports of retaliatory missiles and attacks around the Gulf, indicating ongoing active conflict against the US and Israel.