Iran Denies Negotiations with US After Trump Announces Talks
In a move that has sparked renewed speculation about potential breakthroughs in the ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States, Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei denied reports of negotiations taking place between the two countries.
According to sources close to the situation, Trump announced earlier today that new talks with Iran would begin on Monday after he decided to hold off on striking the country. The US president stated that the talks would cover a temporary safe route through the Strait of Hormuz and ultimately aim to end the war entering its sixth month.
Iranian officials have dismissed these claims as unfounded, stating that no negotiations were currently being held with the United States. In fact, Iranian media denied that Tehran had asked Trump not to strike in response to his announcement.
On Sunday, US President Donald Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that he had been asked by Iran and other partners, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, to hold off on striking the country. He claimed that the strikes would have been “the biggest attack since World War II.”
Iranian lawmaker Hassan Ghashghavi, spokesman for the parliament’s national security commission, stated during a televised press conference that mediators were trying to revive the US-Iran memorandum of understanding that was agreed in June.
This agreement was not intended as a final peace deal but rather as a stepping stone to negotiations on a comprehensive agreement. It included provisions on Hormuz and aimed to address concerns about the Strait’s security.
“We must strive to compel the enemy to remain committed to what it has signed,” Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said, referencing Iran’s stance on maintaining control over the strait despite its closure during the war.
The US president had threatened to hit Iran “very hard” and was reportedly considering renewed attacks against energy infrastructure. However, he later pulled back from that threat after being assured by his partners of a deal.
Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz in response to the return to strikes last month, which Tehran views as an attempt to disrupt its national interests and security. The US has rejected this claim, stating that it will continue to work towards finding a solution through diplomatic means.
The ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States is complex and multifaceted, with various parties involved in negotiations. While there have been reports of potential breakthroughs, no official agreements or statements from either side have been made public.
Source: Dawn
Based on reporting from Dawn.
