Daijiworld Media Network - Tehran
Tehran, Mar 31: Iran has firmly denied claims of engaging in any direct or indirect negotiations with the United States since the outbreak of the ongoing conflict on February 28, contradicting repeated assertions from Washington that talks were progressing positively.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Iran’s Foreign Ministry clarified that no negotiations had taken place during the 31 days of war. Spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei stated that what occurred was merely a request for talks from the US, accompanied by proposals conveyed 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, along with proposals that reached us through certain intermediaries,” Baqaei said in a post on X.
He emphasized that Iran remains fully focused on defending itself as military operations continue, while also recalling past diplomatic setbacks that have shaped Tehran’s cautious stance.
“Our position is very clear. As America’s military aggression continues with full intensity, all our efforts are devoted to defending Iran. We do not forget the betrayal inflicted upon diplomacy in recent instances,” he added.
The statement sharply contradicts remarks from the White House, where Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that discussions with Iran were “continuing and going well.” US President Donald Trump has also repeatedly claimed that a deal could be imminent, citing both direct and indirect engagement with Iranian officials.
Trump further indicated that Washington had explored contact with Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf as a possible interlocutor, with the US expected to assess his role in potential negotiations.
The conflicting narratives highlight the widening gap between Iran and the United States, even as reports of backchannel communications continue to surface.
The Iran–US–Israel conflict, which began on February 28 under Operation Epic Fury, has now entered its second month with no signs of de-escalation. The war, triggered by the killing of Ali Khamenei, has continued to intensify across the region.
Efforts to broker peace have so far failed. While Trump proposed a 15-point peace plan, Iran rejected it and instead outlined five conditions, including war reparations, lifting of sanctions, and recognition of its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.