Foreign Minister of Iran, Abbas Araghchi.
Iran denies direct talks with US envoy as Trump talks force
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- Iran’s foreign minister has denied any direct contact with a US envoy, rejecting claims of recent negotiations.
- The denial comes as Washington boosts its military presence near Iran and President Donald Trump speaks openly about force and diplomacy.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Wednesday that Tehran has not held direct talks with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and has not requested negotiations with Washington.
Speaking to state media, Araghchi said communication is limited to indirect contacts through “various intermediaries,” dismissing reports suggesting otherwise.
Tehran sets conditions for dialogue
Araghchi outlined Iran’s position on any future negotiations, stressing that talks cannot take place under threats.
He said discussions must be conducted on equal footing and based on mutual respect and shared interests. Araghchi also rejected the idea that any party could impose its goals through force, calling such an approach unrealistic.
US military moves, Trump statements
The comments come amid rising tensions in the region. US Central Command announced the deployment of a carrier strike group led by the USS Abraham Lincoln to Middle Eastern waters.
In remarks to Axios, the President of the United States, Donald Trump, said the United States has a large naval force near Iran, larger than that used in previous operations elsewhere. Trump claimed Tehran wants to reach an agreement and said Iranian officials have contacted Washington multiple times.
Reports said Trump’s national security team has presented options that include strikes on military facilities and possible targeting of senior Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Intelligence warnings, caution in Tehran
According to The New York Times, Trump has received intelligence assessments suggesting Iran’s government is under internal strain and facing weakened control.
Despite the escalation in rhetoric and military posturing, Iranian officials have signaled caution, seeking to avoid a direct confrontation while maintaining their public stance against negotiations under pressure.
