Oman Cancels US-Iran Talks After Israeli Strikes

The sixth round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States, set for Muscat, Oman, has been canceled after Israeli airstrikes targeted Iran's nuclear and military infrastructure, resulting in the deaths of several high-ranking Iranian officials. Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, the mediator, announced the cancellation and stressed the necessity of diplomacy for peace. Iran deemed further negotiations unjustifiable, launching retaliatory missile and drone attacks on Israel in response to the strikes. Both Iran and Israel have issued strong warnings of further retaliation, significantly increasing fears of a wider regional conflict. The United States has reduced its diplomatic presence in nearby countries as a precaution, reiterating it was not directly involved in the Israeli actions. The cancellation of the talks highlights the precariousness of diplomatic efforts amid escalating hostilities.