Only received requests, no negotiations since war began: Iran rejects Trump' claims

Iran denies engaging in talks with the US as the war enters its second month, rejecting Washington's claims of progress. Conflicting narratives reveal deep mistrust, while both sides struggle to find a path toward peace.

In Short

• US claims talks are progressing well and a deal could be near
• Iran denies any direct or indirect talks with US since war began on Feb 28
• Iran says US only submitted negotiation request via intermediaries like Pakistan

Iran has firmly dismissed claims that it has been engaging in any direct or indirect negotiations with the US since the war began on February 28, contradicting repeated statements from Washington that talks were progressing “very well”.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said that during the 31 days of conflict, no negotiations with the US had taken place. Spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei clarified that what Washington had done was merely submit a request for talks, accompanied by proposals through intermediaries, including Pakistan.

“We have had no negotiations with America in these thirty-one days. What has occurred is the submission of a negotiation request, accompanied by a set of proposals from America, which has reached us through certain intermediaries, including Pakistan,” Baqaei said in a post on X.

He added that Iran remains fully focused on defending itself as military operations continue, recalling past diplomatic “betrayals” that shaped its cautious approach.

“Our position is very clear. As America’s military aggression and invasion continue with full intensity, all our efforts and capabilities are devoted to defending Iran’s essence. We have felt the previous experiences with our flesh, skin, and bones, and we do not forget the betrayal that was inflicted upon diplomacy in two instances within less than a year,” he said.

The statement directly contradicts remarks from the White House, where Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said talks with Iran were “continuing and going well”. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly asserted that a deal could be imminent, claiming engagement with Iranian officials through both direct and indirect channels.

Trump also indicated that Washington had been in contact with Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf as a potential interlocutor, with the US planning to assess within a week whether he was someone it could work with.

The conflicting narratives underscore a widening gap between Tehran and Washington, even as backchannel communications remain under scrutiny.

The Iran–US–Israel war, launched on February 28 under Operation Epic Fury, has now entered its second month with no signs of de-escalation. The conflict, which began with the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, continues to intensify across the region.

Efforts to end the war have so far failed. US President Trump proposed a 15-point peace plan, which Iran rejected, instead putting forward five conditions including war reparations, lifting of sanctions, and recognition of Iran’s sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.

- Ends