No direct talks with Washington so far: Baghaei

Speaking in his weekly press conference on Monday, Baghaei responded to US President Donald Trump’s claims that Iran had accepted US proposals. He reiterated that Iran’s position has been consistent from the start, rejecting excessive and unreasonable demands conveyed through intermediaries.
Baghaei stated that Iran has had no direct negotiations with the United States to date.
What has been discussed were messages received through intermediaries indicating a US desire for talks, he explained, cautioning that whenever the US speaks of diplomacy, it should raise suspicions.
He noted that it is unclear how many in the US take their own claims of diplomacy seriously. Baghaei emphasized that Iran’s stance is clear and does not shift as the US position does.
Iran has always known the framework it seeks, the spokesman added, describing the proposals conveyed as excessive and unreasonable. Regarding Pakistan’s meetings, Baghaei said these operate under a framework established by Pakistan itself, and Iran was not a participant.
While it is positive that regional countries are concerned with ending the war, he insisted that the aggressor must be recognized and that Iran should not be expected to exercise restraint unilaterally, highlighting that Iran was attacked, not the initiator.
Addressing Trump’s claim that Iran agreed to US proposals, Baghaei said that US officials speak of whatever they wish, but Iran has had no negotiations with the US.
The only contact was requests for talks from the US transmitted through third countries, he added.
Baghaei stated that Iran’s position is clear: as the aggression continues, Iran’s efforts remain focused on defending itself.
He concluded that such US claims are not considered credible, noting that Iran has experienced previous betrayals during negotiations firsthand.
MNA