Iran says it has not abandoned negotiations despite fresh clashes with Israel

Published 8 June 2026 · world

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Monday (June 8) that Tehran has not abandoned negotiations despite a fresh exchange of missile strikes with Israel, signaling

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Monday (June 8) that Tehran has not abandoned negotiations despite a fresh exchange of missile strikes with Israel, signaling that diplomacy remains an option even as both sides warn they are prepared to retaliate if attacked again. The remarks came after Israel and Iran traded fire for the first time since an April ceasefire, raising fears of a renewed regional conflict and prompting US President Donald Trump to push for an immediate halt to hostilities. 'We have neither abandoned the field nor the negotiating table' Quick answers to key questions • 5 QUESTIONS 1 What did Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian say about negotiations with Israel? ⌵ Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Iran has not abandoned negotiations and remains committed to both defending its interests and pursuing diplomacy, emphasizing that 'diplomacy and defense are the two wings of national power.' 2 Why did tensions between Israel and Iran escalate recently? ⌵ Tensions escalated after Iran launched missiles at Israel in response to Israeli strikes near Beirut, marking a significant confrontation after the April ceasefire. 3 How did US President Donald Trump intervene in the Israel-Iran conflict? ⌵ Donald Trump urged both Israel and Iran to immediately cease hostilities and indicated that negotiations for a broader peace arrangement were ongoing, while maintaining US sanctions against Iran. 4 What warning did Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu issue regarding future Iranian attacks?

⌵ Netanyahu warned that any future Iranian attack would draw a military response from Israel, emphasizing their right to self-defense. 5 Should regional powers continue to push for a ceasefire between Israel and Iran? ⌵ Yes, regional powers like Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Pakistan, and Qatar have been urging for diplomatic efforts to pressure both sides to halt attacks and maintain the fragile ceasefire. In a post on X, Pezeshkian said Iran remained committed to defending its interests while also pursuing diplomacy. "Our priority is national security and the peace of our people. We will defend the rights of the nation with authority and will not retreat in the face of any threat." "Diplomacy and defense are the two wings of national power; we have neither abandoned the field nor the negotiating table." Pezeshkian added that Iran hoped to emerge from the crisis successfully through "unity and rationality." Trump pushes for immediate ceasefire Trump said both Israel and Iran appeared willing to stop fighting and that negotiations toward a broader peace arrangement were continuing. "Both sides, Israel and Iran, are looking to do an immediate CEASEFIRE! Final negotiations on 'Peace' are proceeding, subject to ignorance or stupidity getting in its way." The US president also said Washington's blockade and pressure measures against Iran would remain in effect until a final agreement is reached. "The Blockade will remain in place, and in full force and effect, until a 'Final Deal' is reached." Earlier in the day, Trump had issued a direct appeal to both countries.