Iran Denies Reports of Ongoing Nuclear Talks with U.S.

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, firmly dismissed claims by U.S. President Donald Trump about ongoing nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington. Speaking at a press briefing in Tehran, Baghaei denied the existence of any current dialogue, countering Trump's recent statements suggesting that talks had started and that Iran was eager to reach a deal.

President Trump, during a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House, had remarked, "We're talking to them, and we start a process. But it would be a nice thing to have a deal with Iran."

However, Baghaei reiterated, "No negotiation process currently exists between Iran and the United States." He highlighted the U.S.' history of breaking promises and imposing "excessive demands," arguing that there was no rational basis to engage with a party unwilling to view negotiations as a reciprocal process. He also criticized the U.S. for its "wrongful action of military aggression" against Iran and its people.

Regarding a message sent by Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian to the Saudi crown prince prior to his visit to the U.S., Baghaei clarified that it was a bilateral communication. The message expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia's support of Iranian pilgrims during last year's Hajj and called for continued coordination for the current year's pilgrimage.

Previously, Iran and the U.S. conducted five rounds of indirect negotiations mediated by Oman, addressing Tehran's nuclear program and U.S. sanctions, from April to June. A planned sixth round on June 15 was cancelled following Israeli airstrikes on multiple Iranian nuclear and military sites, resulting in the deaths of senior commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians.

Additionally, on June 22, U.S. forces participated in bombing three Iranian nuclear facilities located at Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan.

This series of incidents underscores the escalating tensions and complexities surrounding any potential dialogue between the two nations.