Iran Denies Any Diplomatic Exchanges with U.S., Calls Media Claims Unfounded
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has dismissed reports of diplomatic exchanges between Tehran and Washington, stating that “no specific messages” have been sent or received. Speaking on the sidelines of a cabinet session, he attributed the deep distrust between the two nations to the U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal and its subsequent sanctions. He emphasized that rebuilding confidence requires concrete actions rather than “beautiful words.”
Araghchi reiterated that Iran fully implemented the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) before the U.S. unilaterally abandoned it in 2018 under the Trump administration. He noted that Iran’s nuclear advancements, including uranium enrichment to 60%, were responses to U.S. violations. While efforts to revive the deal under the Biden administration stalled in 2023, Iran continues discussions with European signatories but awaits clear policy signals from Washington.
The minister clarified statements made in his recent interview with Sky News, affirming that Tehran remains open to negotiations only if they are conducted on equal terms. However, he stressed that no current plans exist for direct talks with the U.S. and that any future engagement would depend on Washington taking tangible steps to restore trust.
