Iran denies talks with US, says only message exchanges via friendly nations
Iran denies direct talks with the US, says only messages exchanged via intermediaries; emphasizes no ceasefire and control over Strait of Hormuz.
Tehran (The Uttam Hindu): Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has stated that Iran has not held any direct talks with the United States, clarifying that only messages have been exchanged through intermediary countries in recent days. His remarks came during an interview with state-run Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting.
Araghchi said that the US has been sending messages through various mediators, but such exchanges cannot be termed as negotiations or dialogue. He explained that when Iran responds through friendly nations to clarify its position or issue warnings, it is merely a communication channel, not formal talks.
According to reports, Iran had warned the US against targeting its infrastructure, following which Washington reportedly withdrew its threat to attack Iranian power plants within 48 hours. Araghchi reiterated that Iran does not seek war, stating that it did not initiate the conflict and wants to end it in a way that prevents future escalation.
However, he made it clear that Iran is not in favor of a ceasefire, describing it as part of a repetitive “cycle” of talks, war, and temporary peace. He emphasized that Iran wants the conflict to end on its own terms and currently has no plans to engage in negotiations, focusing instead on resistance and national defense.
On the Strait of Hormuz, Araghchi said the passage is considered part of the territorial waters of Iran and Oman. He added that Iran is studying new arrangements to ensure controlled and secure navigation through the route.
His statement comes after US President Donald Trump claimed that Tehran was engaged in talks with Washington and seeking an agreement to end the conflict.
It is noteworthy that on February 28, joint strikes by Israel and the US targeted Tehran and other Iranian cities, resulting in the deaths of senior military officials, civilians, and Iran’s then Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. In response, Iran launched missile and drone attacks on Israeli and US-linked assets across the Middle East and tightened control over the Strait of Hormuz, restricting safe passage for vessels associated with the US and Israel.