Abbas Araghchi said the United States (US) has sent multiple messages to Tehran through “friendly countries” in recent days. However, he made it clear that these contacts do not count as negotiations.

At the same time, Iran continues to reject Washington’s calls for direct talks.

Tehran Questions US Shift

Araghchi openly questioned the US position. He pointed to earlier demands from Washington for Iran’s “unconditional surrender.”

“Didn’t the Americans say ‘unconditional surrender’? So why are they talking about negotiation now?” he said.

He added that officials have passed these messages to top authorities. “In these messages, ideas were raised that have been conveyed to top authorities, and if a position needs to be taken, they will announce it.”

Trump Claims Iran Wants a Deal

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump insisted that Iran is eager to strike a deal, despite its public stance.

“Nobody’s ever seen anything like we’re doing in the Middle East with Iran, and they are negotiating, by the way, and they want to make a deal so badly, but they’re afraid to say it because they figure they’ll be killed by their own people. They’re also afraid they’ll be killed by us,” Trump said.

Iran Calls Outreach a Sign of Weakness

In response, Araghchi described the US outreach as an “admission of defeat.” He stressed that message exchanges cannot be called dialogue.

“The fact that messages are being sent and we respond with warnings or state our positions is not called negotiation or dialogue; it is an exchange of messages,” he said.

US Signals Optimism Despite Denial

The White House remains hopeful about possible talks. However, Iran has not accepted any formal negotiation process.

Trump again claimed that Iran is being “decimated” as the conflict enters its fourth week. Still, Tehran maintains control over the key Strait of Hormuz, which is crucial for global oil shipments.

War of Words Intensifies

At home, Trump accused Democrats of trying to “deflect from all of the tremendous success that we’re having in this military operation.”

Meanwhile, Israel expressed strong doubts about Iran’s intentions. Ophir Falk, adviser to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said, “Well, Iran always lies. We’ve learned that they always lie,” in an interview with CNN.

US Issues Fresh Warning

Karoline Leavitt warned that the US is ready to escalate action if Iran does not change course.

“If Iran fails to accept the reality of the current moment, if they fail to understand that they have been defeated militarily and will continue to be, President Trump will ensure they are hit harder than they have ever been hit before,” she said.

“President Trump does not bluff and he is prepared to unleash hell. Iran should not miscalculate again.”

Talks Continue Amid Deep Mistrust

Despite Iran’s denial, US officials maintain that engagement is ongoing. When asked about the status of talks, Leavitt said, “Talks continue. They are productive.”

However, both sides continue to publicly disagree, highlighting deep mistrust and uncertainty over any possible breakthrough.