Tensions in the Middle East remain high as Donald Trump, President of the United States, revealed that Washington is engaged in discussions with Iran, even as Tehran insists no such talks are taking place.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump said the United States had begun conversations with Iran as the ongoing conflict entered its third week.
“Yes, we’re talking to them,” Trump said, though he declined to provide details about the nature of the discussions or who exactly was involved. He suggested, however, that Iran was not yet ready to reach an agreement to end the war.
“But I don’t think they’re ready. But they are getting pretty close,” Trump added.
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The conflict, which began with joint US–Israeli attacks on February 28, has escalated across the Middle East, shaking global markets and raising fears of wider regional instability.
Trump also cast doubt on whether a deal could be reached soon, saying uncertainty remains about who is actually leading Iran following heavy losses among its top leadership.
“Nobody even knows who you’re dealing with, because most of their leadership has been killed,” he said.
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Among those reported killed in the first wave of attacks was Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, along with dozens of senior Iranian officials.
Despite this, Trump insisted Iran is eager to reach an agreement.
“They want to make a deal badly,” he said.
However, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi strongly rejected Trump’s claims, maintaining that Tehran is not currently in talks with Washington.
In an interview aired Sunday on CBS’s Face the Nation, Araghchi said Iran sees no reason to negotiate with the United States, accusing Washington of undermining previous diplomatic efforts.
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“We are stable and strong enough. We are only defending our people,” Araghchi said.
“We don’t see any reason why we should talk with Americans, because we were talking with them when they decided to attack us,” he added. “There is no good experience talking with Americans.”
The conflicting statements from Washington and Tehran highlight the deep mistrust between the two countries, even as the war continues to intensify and the international community calls for urgent diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.
