Iranian Officials Firmly Deny Recent US Contact Amid Escalating Nuclear Standoff
In a significant development reported by state media on Wednesday, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has categorically denied having any recent communication with US special envoy Steve Witkoff. According to Reuters, Araqchi explicitly stated that no contact occurred in recent days and emphasized that Iran has not made any requests for negotiations with American officials.
Clear Conditions for Dialogue: No Negotiations Under Threat
"There was no contact between me and Witkoff in recent days and no request for negotiations was made from us," Araqchi told state media outlets. The Foreign Minister elaborated that while various intermediaries continue to hold consultations and maintain contact with Tehran, Iran's position remains unambiguous regarding the prerequisites for diplomatic engagement.
"Our stance is clear, negotiations don't go along with threats and talks can only take place when there are no longer menaces and excessive demands," Araqchi asserted, establishing firm boundaries for any potential dialogue with Washington.
Parliament Speaker Echoes Demands for Genuine Negotiations
Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf reinforced this position during an exclusive interview with CNN, stating that Tehran would only consider talks with the United States under specific conditions. Ghalibaf emphasized that any negotiations must be "genuine" and aimed at reaching a meaningful agreement concerning nuclear weapons, while simultaneously warning that US troops would become targets if Iran faces military aggression.
Despite expressing Tehran's willingness to negotiate, Ghalibaf expressed skepticism about American intentions, accusing the US president of seeking to impose his will rather than engaging in substantive, reciprocal dialogue. This sentiment reflects deepening mistrust between the two nations as tensions continue to escalate.
Trump's Urgent Warnings and Military Posturing
US President Donald Trump intensified pressure on Wednesday by publicly calling on Iran to negotiate a nuclear deal while issuing stark warnings about potential military consequences. "Hopefully Iran will quickly 'Come to the Table' and negotiate a fair and equitable deal - NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS - one that is good for all parties. Time is running out, it is truly of the essence!" Trump declared on social media platforms.
The American leader had previously announced on Tuesday that another "armada" was heading toward Iranian waters, expressing hope that Tehran would ultimately agree to a diplomatic settlement with Washington. These statements come amid heightened US military presence in the Gulf region following widespread protests in Iran that triggered the deadliest government crackdown since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Regional Diplomacy and Broader Implications
In related diplomatic developments, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian communicated with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, affirming Tehran's support for any initiative grounded in international law that helps prevent armed conflict. This regional outreach occurs against a backdrop of complex geopolitical maneuvering as multiple Middle Eastern powers navigate the escalating US-Iran confrontation.
The current standoff represents one of the most critical diplomatic challenges in recent years, with both sides establishing firm preconditions for talks while military posturing continues to intensify. As deadlines loom and threats multiply, the international community watches closely to see whether diplomatic channels can overcome the cycle of threats and counter-threats that currently defines US-Iran relations.
