Iran Rejects U.S. Negotiation Claims Amidst Ongoing Conflict
Tehran has firmly dismissed assertions by President Donald Trump that Iran is seeking a deal to conclude the current conflict, maintaining it sees no reason to engage in talks with the United States. The statements come as the conflict enters its third week, marked by escalating tensions and military actions.
Araghchi’s Rebuttal
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated unequivocally on Sunday, “We don’t see any reason why we should talk with Americans.” He emphasized that Iran never requested a ceasefire or initiated negotiations, responding to President Trump’s claims of Iranian interest in a resolution. Araghchi appeared on CBS’s “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan” to deliver this message.
Trump’s Claims and Iran’s Position
President Trump has repeatedly asserted that Iran desires a deal, most recently stating on Truth Social that Iran “is totally defeated and wants a deal – But not a deal that I would accept!” He further told NBC News that Iran “wants to make a deal, and I don’t seek to make it since the terms aren’t decent enough yet.”
Araghchi countered these claims, asserting Iran’s readiness to defend itself “as long as it takes.” He characterized the conflict as “a war of choice by President Trump and the United States,” adding, “There are, you know, people being killed only because President Trump wants to have fun.”
Past Negotiations and Current Stance
Araghchi pointed to previous talks that occurred before the U.S. And Israel launched strikes on Iran late last month, questioning the sincerity of U.S. Intentions. “We were talking with them when they decided to attack us, and that was for the second time,” he said. “There is no good experience talking with the Americans. We were talking, so why they decided to attack us? So what is good if we go back to talk once again?”
He also refuted the notion that the conflict represents an existential threat to the Iranian government, stating, “We are, you know, stable and strong enough.”
Limited Offer on the Table
Araghchi revealed that during prior negotiations, facilitated by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Iran offered to dilute its enriched uranium “in order to prove that Iran has never wanted nuclear weapons and would never want them.” However, he clarified that this offer is no longer active, stating, “There is nothing on the table right now.” He added, “Everything depends on the future,” suggesting a potential willingness to revisit such concessions should negotiations resume.
Ongoing Communication
Despite the strong rhetoric, President Trump acknowledged ongoing communication with Iranian officials, stating, “Yeah, we’re talking to them,” but expressed doubt about their readiness for a deal, adding, “But they’re getting pretty close.”
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