The conflict between Israel and Iran has not shown any signs of cooling down, continuing to escalate as the air campaign continues into the second week, killing hundreds of people.
Israel launched an air campaign on June 13 with the aim of preventing Tehran from developing nuclear weapons. Iran launched a series of missiles and drones into Israeli territory in response, while reaffirming that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only.
Faced with the risk of a conflict spreading and losing control, Europe is urgently stepping up diplomatic efforts to bring Tehran back to the negotiation table.
The foreign ministers of the UK, France, Germany and senior representatives of the European Union (EU) are scheduled to meet with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi in Geneva (Sweden) on June 20.
Europe hopes to create a stepping stone for the restoration of dialogue between Iran and the superpowers, especially regarding the nuclear program that has been stalled for a long time.
In addition to organizing the dialogue, European diplomats have also actively mobilized support from international partners such as the US, Australia and the G7, in order to coordinate and put diplomatic pressure on both Tehran and Tel Aviv.
However, the Iranian Foreign Ministry has said it will not return to negotiations if the Israeli airstrikes have not ended, but British Foreign Minister David Lammy still believes that the opportunity for a peaceful solution is not necessarily over, although it is narrowing day by day.
In contrast to Europe's initiative, the US role in the diplomatic process is still quite cautious.
President Donald Trump's special missionary is said to have been in contact with Iran in recent days, but Washington has not made a clear commitment to participate in mediation efforts.
The US president is considering whether to maintain military pressure or return to the negotiation table. Although the US State Department has affirmed that it will not allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons, there is no sign that the US will lead a diplomatic initiative at this stage.
According to Human Rights Human Rights Organization HRANA, as of June 18, Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 639 people and injured more than 1,300 in Iran.
Meanwhile, Iran said it would only attack Israeli military and defense targets. However, several Iranian strikes have hit hospitals and residential areas, prompting Israel to accuse Iran of deliberately using shrapnel - a weapons of mass destruction against civilians.
