In a developing diplomatic standoff, Iran has dismissed US claims of ongoing peace negotiations, asserting that Washington is “negotiating with itself” to save face. The Iranian military responded sharply to recent assertions by US President Donald Trump, who suggested that talks with Iran are underway and that the US is engaging with the “right people” in Tehran.
Iran’s armed forces spokesperson, Ebrahim Zolfaqari, ridiculed the US leadership’s claims, questioning whether their internal struggles have led to negotiations with themselves. “Has the level of your inner struggle reached the stage of you negotiating with yourself?” he remarked, according to Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency. He also warned against calling failures in diplomacy “agreements,” emphasizing Iran’s stance that no negotiations are taking place.
Despite persistent US assertions, Iran maintains that it is not engaged in diplomatic talks with Washington. Reports of a US ceasefire proposal sent via Pakistan have fueled speculation, but Iranian officials continue to deny any such negotiations. Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, stated that no direct or indirect talks have occurred and expressed hope that friendly countries could facilitate dialogue.
Meanwhile, the US president’s position has shifted somewhat. Trump claimed that Washington has been speaking to “the right people” in Iran and that Tehran is eager to make a deal. “They are talking to us, and they’re making sense,” Trump said during a White House briefing. This contrasts with earlier threats to strike Iran’s power plants if Tehran did not reopen the Strait of Hormuz fully. Trump delayed a planned attack earlier this week, citing diplomatic progress, though Iran dismissed these claims.
Amidst the conflicting narratives, US media reports have suggested that Washington has sent Iran a 15-point plan aimed at ending the conflict. The plan reportedly includes dismantling nuclear sites, halting enrichment, suspending missile programs, and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. In exchange, Iran would have sanctions lifted and receive US assistance with its civilian nuclear activities. However, analysts and officials caution that the situation remains opaque.
In Tehran, confusion prevails. Al Jazeera’s Mohamed Vall described the atmosphere as “total confusion,” with Iranian officials denying any ongoing negotiations despite US claims. The tension extends regionally, with Iran firing missiles at Israeli targets and Israel conducting strikes on Iranian infrastructure in Tehran.
Regional mediators are actively involved. Pakistan has reportedly shared the US ceasefire demands with Iran, and there are indications that US and Iranian officials may meet in Islamabad soon. Turkey also plays a role, with Ankara attempting to facilitate de-escalation and pass messages between the two sides. A senior Turkish official confirmed that Turkey has been “playing a role passing messages” between Washington and Tehran.
Meanwhile, US military movements continue in the Middle East. Reports indicate the deployment of at least 1,000 additional troops from the Army’s elite 82nd Airborne Division, adding to the approximately 50,000 US soldiers already in the region. Experts warn that while diplomatic efforts are underway, preparations for potential conflict are also ongoing.
As tensions rise, the global community watches closely, with diplomacy and military readiness unfolding simultaneously in the volatile Middle Eastern landscape.