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Iran denies ongoing talks with US amid conflicting reports
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on Thursday that Tehran is not currently negotiating with the United States to end the nearly month-long conflict and has no intention of doing so. The remarks contradict earlier claims by the White House, which described discussions as "ongoing" and "productive."
US proposals reportedly include nuclear and missile demands
Araghchi acknowledged that Washington had transmitted ideas through intermediaries, including what sources described as a 15-point plan. While he did not outright reject the proposal, he reiterated arguments from an Iranian counter-proposal, which reportedly includes five key conditions.
According to Israel's Channel 12, the US plan demands that Iran permanently abandon nuclear weapons development, dismantle its nuclear facilities, and surrender enriched uranium to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for monitoring. Additionally, Iran would be required to limit its missile program in range and stockpile and cease funding regional proxies such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis.
The proposal also calls for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz-a critical chokepoint for global oil and gas shipments-to ensure "free maritime passage." In return, the US would lift all international sanctions on Iran, which were reinstated last November after Tehran suspended nuclear inspections following airstrikes on its facilities.
White House Press Secretary declined to confirm the full plan but acknowledged that "elements of truth" existed in media reports while dismissing some details as inaccurate.
Iran sets tough conditions for peace
Hours before Araghchi's statement, Iran's state-run Press TV cited an unnamed senior official outlining five non-negotiable demands to end the war. These include an immediate halt to "aggression and assassinations" by Israel and the US, though no specific mechanisms for enforcement were proposed.
Tehran also demands war reparations, full control over the Strait of Hormuz, and an end to Israeli attacks on Iranian allies in the region. Israel has intensified strikes on Hezbollah in Lebanon, announcing plans to maintain a buffer zone until cross-border attacks cease.
The Iranian official added that these conditions build on earlier demands presented during pre-war negotiations in Geneva, which collapsed when hostilities erupted on February 28.
Diplomatic efforts clouded by distrust
President Donald Trump claimed on Tuesday that Iran was "desperate" for talks and had offered the US a "very significant prize" related to oil, gas, and the Strait of Hormuz, though he provided no further details. Negotiations, if they proceed, are expected to be led by Trump's envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
However, skepticism remains high. Israel's Economy Minister Nir Barkat told the BBC that Iran was unlikely to accept US terms, while Israeli leaders reportedly oppose a ceasefire at this stage. Channel 12 noted that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had similar reservations during Gaza ceasefire talks.
Regional mediators, including Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt, are reportedly involved in backchannel efforts. Egypt's Foreign Minister confirmed an open line of communication with Araghchi but did not clarify whether these exchanges were part of the broader US-led negotiations.
Trump has not disclosed who the US is engaging with, stating only that they are "the right people." Notably absent from the discussions is Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not been seen publicly since being wounded in the airstrike that killed his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Military buildup adds to uncertainty
The prospect of negotiations is further complicated by the deployment of US troops to the region. Analysts suggest the forces could be used to secure the Strait of Hormuz or potentially seize Iranian territory, raising concerns in Tehran about Washington's long-term intentions.
Iran's leadership remains deeply wary of US engagement, particularly as the current conflict erupted midway through negotiations for a new nuclear deal. Araghchi's comments underscore Tehran's reluctance to re-enter talks under the current conditions.
