An Iranian presidential official claimed on Friday that the United States holds the power to stop the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel with a single phone call — if it chooses to act.
Speaking to CNN, presidential adviser Majid Farahani urged President Donald Trump to pressure Israel to halt its aerial bombardments, saying such action could pave the way for renewed diplomatic talks.
“President Trump can easily stop the war by only one telephone (call) to the Israelis,” Farahani said. “Iran believes in civilian dialogue. Directly or indirectly is not important. But as long as the bombings continue, there can be no negotiations.”
Farahani’s comments came as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi travelled to Geneva for high-level talks with European foreign ministers, even as he reiterated that no meaningful engagement with Washington was possible unless Israel first halted its attacks.
It was the first face-to-face meeting between Western and Iranian officials since the start of the conflict. Britain’s foreign secretary said after several hours of talks Friday between top European diplomats and their Iranian counterparts that the Europeans are “keen to continue ongoing discussions and negotiations with Iran.”
Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the Europeans were clear in talks in Geneva that Iran “cannot have a nuclear weapon.” German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said that “very serious talks” were held Friday with Iran’s Abbas Araghchi. The European ministers gave few details and took no questions.
Inputs from Associated Press
