Iran has signalled it will not consider returning to negotiations unless it receives firm guarantees against further attacks, even as some major powers reach out with ceasefire proposals amid the escalating regional conflict.

Iran’s deputy foreign minister, Majid Takht-Ravanchi, said that China, France and Russia had contacted Tehran regarding a possible ceasefire. However, he did not disclose details of the proposals.

He stressed that Iran would not return to the negotiating table unless it was assured that similar aggression would not occur again.

According to the deputy foreign minister, Tehran wants guarantees that attacks like the ones currently unfolding — as well as those seen in June — will not be repeated.

His remarks suggested little willingness on Iran’s part to resume talks under the present circumstances.

Meanwhile, Iran has continued its military response.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it had launched the 33rd wave of its retaliatory campaign, which it calls Operation Promise 4.

The force said that, going forward, it would deploy only its heaviest missiles — those weighing one tonne or more — against targets in Israel and elsewhere.