Iran's foreign minister said Tuesday there are no active negotiations with the United States, despite ongoing indirect communications, underscoring continued tensions between the two countries.
In remarks to Al Jazeera, Abbas Araghchi said he has received messages from U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff but emphasized that such exchanges do not constitute formal talks.
"I receive messages from Witkoff directly, as before, and this does not mean that we are in negotiations," Araghchi said.
He rejected reports suggesting broader diplomatic engagement, calling them inaccurate.
"There is no truth to the claim of negotiations with any party in Iran," he said. "All messages are conveyed through the Foreign Ministry or received by it, and there are communications between security agencies."
Araghchi's comments highlight the absence of structured diplomacy between Washington and Tehran, even as indirect contact continues.
The two sides have not held sustained formal negotiations since efforts to revive the 2015 nuclear agreement stalled.
He cited Iran's experience with the United States as reason for skepticism about renewed talks.
"We have never had a good experience negotiating with the U.S.," Araghchi said, referencing the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which the United States exited in 2018.
"One time years ago we secured a deal, only for the U.S. to withdraw from it," he added.
Araghchi said that history has undermined trust in future negotiations.
"We do not have any faith that negotiations with the U.S. will yield any results. The trust level is at zero," he said. "We don't see honesty."
His remarks reflect a hardened public stance from Iran, even as limited communication between the two sides continues.
President Donald Trump said Tuesday that U.S. operations in Iran could conclude in "two weeks, maybe three."
Trump also said the United States and Iran are engaged in negotiations.
Solange Reyner ✉
Solange Reyner is a writer and editor for Newsmax. She has more than 15 years in the journalism industry reporting and covering news, sports and politics.
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