With Iran’s air defenses shredded, allies sidelined and arsenal of missiles running down, the country’s theocratic leaders face the prospect of having to submit to a tougher negotiation on their nuclear program as their only way out of a worsening situation.

Iran’s supreme leader has criticized an initial proposal from the United States in negotiations over Tehran’s rapidly advancing nuclear program.

"I am pleased to confirm the 6th round of Iran US talks will be held in Muscat this Sunday the 15th," Bad Albusaidi, the country's foreign minister said on social media.

The two sides were scheduled to meet for a sixth round of negotiations on Sunday. Oman, which was set to host the talks, said on Saturday that this round had been canceled.

Iran’s supreme leader has denounced a proposal by the United States aimed at curbing Tehran’s nuclear efforts and demanded that his country retains national independence amid reports of Washington offering to become involved in Tehran’s nuclear program.

Iranian officials on Saturday signaled they could walk back their decision to not attend upcoming nuclear talks with the U.S., but said further negotiations were likely “meaningless”

Iran and the United States on June 9 indicated that talks on Iran’s nuclear program will continue but the two side gave different dates for the next round of Iran-US indirect negotiations.

Amid the escalating violence, US President Donald Trump said he and Russian President Vladimir Putin are in agreement that the hostilities must end immediately.