Geneva |With the Israel-Iran conflict intensifying, foreign ministers from the UK, France, and Germany met with Iranian envoy Abbas Araghchi in Geneva today, launching a renewed diplomatic push aimed at halting the hostilities.
The talks mark the first direct contact between Iran and Western powers since Israel bombed Iranian targets last week. The meeting comes as U.S. President Donald Trump announced he will delay a decision on direct American involvement for two weeks, saying there is a “substantial chance” diplomacy could succeed.
Israel and Iran exchanged fresh strikes overnight. The Israeli Defense Forces said more than 60 fighter jets hit military and nuclear-linked targets inside Iran, using over 120 munitions. Iran responded by launching missiles at southern Israel. Fires broke out near Microsoft’s offices in Beersheba, where five people were injured and taken to a nearby hospital.
Israel said its targets included a missile production site and a nuclear research center linked to Iran’s weapons development. Iran has not issued a public statement on the overnight attacks.
In Geneva, European ministers urged Tehran to rejoin diplomatic efforts. Iran has expressed willingness to negotiate but insists talks cannot proceed while it remains under attack.
“We are ready to return to the table, but not under missile fire,” a source familiar with Iran’s position said ahead of the meeting.
The diplomatic opening follows a devastating week that saw Iran’s nuclear program suffer heavy damage, though not complete destruction. Israel’s Defense Minister claimed the attack on Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba which injured over 70 people proved Iran’s leadership “can no longer be allowed to exist.” Iran, meanwhile, said it was targeting a nearby military technology park, not the hospital.
In Iran, foreign embassies have begun shutting down operations, citing escalating danger. Countries including Australia, Switzerland, and New Zealand have pulled out staff. Multiple nations have also launched emergency evacuations. China removed more than 1,600 citizens. India evacuated over 100 students through Armenia. Japan and Pakistan activated military and civilian routes to extract nationals.
With Iranian airspace closed and Israel’s main airport shut down, evacuees are being routed through land crossings and sea transport where possible.
Behind closed doors, diplomatic maneuvering continues. Trump’s postponement gives negotiators a narrow window to prevent direct U.S. involvement. Talks are also being shaped by rising public pressure and criticism over disproportionate media coverage. Many Iranians pointed out the contrast between global attention on the Israeli hospital bombing and the silence over a strike on Kermanshah Hospital days earlier. Iran’s tight media controls and blackout on civilian reporting have clouded the full toll inside its borders.
As both nations hold firm and retaliatory strikes continue, the outcome of the Geneva talks and Trump’s decision could determine the next phase of this dangerous standoff.
