President Donald Trump stated that the United States could halt attacks on Iran within two to three weeks and suggested that a formal deal is not required to end a conflict that has disrupted global energy supplies and shaken the world economy.
These remarks came as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Al Jazeera on Tuesday that no negotiations are currently taking place with Washington, despite some direct and indirect exchanges of messages, nearly five weeks after the US and Israel began military actions against Iran.
Iranian Foreign Minister: No negotiations with US Underway
Araghchi emphasized that Iran is not engaged in talks with the United States and has not responded to a reported 15-point US proposal aimed at ending the war.
“We receive messages from the American side some directly, some through regional intermediaries and we respond when necessary,” Araghchi said in an interview aired Wednesday.
@aljazeeraenglish Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Al Jazeera in an exclusive interview that Iran and the US are not negotiating, only exchanging messages, some directly and others through regional intermediaries. . #News ♬ original sound - Al Jazeera English
He clarified that these exchanges do not constitute negotiations. “There are no grounds for negotiations,” he said, noting that some communications had occurred with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.
Araghchi also dismissed reports of ongoing talks, stating, “All messages are conveyed through the Foreign Ministry or received by it, and there are communications between security agencies.”
Recent diplomatic efforts to end the conflict have involved Turkey, Egypt, and Pakistan. Last week, the US reportedly sent a 15-point ceasefire plan to Tehran via Pakistan. Iranian media had suggested that Tehran submitted a five-point counterproposal, calling for an end to what it described as US-Israeli “aggression” and guarantees that hostilities would not resume.
However, Araghchi told Al Jazeera that Tehran has not responded to the US plan and has not submitted any proposals or conditions.
Trump, who previously claimed that Iran was engaged in negotiations and “begging” for a deal, appeared to shift his stance on Tuesday regarding the purported diplomatic efforts.
