Iran denies reports of proposing direct talks with US

Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei denied reports that Iran is proposing direct talks with the United States. Speaking at a press conference in Tehran on Monday, Baghaei described the claims as fabrications by the other side and stressed that Iran's current focus is on defense rather than negotiations.

Baghaei acknowledged that mediators may convey messages from the US regarding regional developments, but confirmed that there are no ongoing negotiations with the American side at this time. Regarding the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Iran and the United States, he pointed out that the US violated the entire agreement less than 23 days after it was signed, leading Iran to suspend its own commitments. He referred to Paragraph 5 of the MoU, explaining that the United States initiated large-scale attacks against Iran on the 22nd day, before Iran's 30-day deadline to fulfill its commitments had expired.

The spokesperson also alleged that the United States, in collaboration with certain regional countries, deliberately diverted ships from the safe northern route of the Strait of Hormuz to the unsafe southern route. He highlighted that three Qatari, Saudi, and Emirati ships had turned off their tracking systems on the same specific day, describing this behavior as completely contrary to the MoU and indicative of coordination with the US. Baghaei added that these commercial vessels were used to transport military equipment.

In response to the reduction in US attacks and speculation about a potential ceasefire, Baghaei emphasized that Iran is not engaged in negotiations with the US, adding that the only ongoing discussions are bilateral talks with Oman regarding the Strait of Hormuz. He likened US behavior to that of a mafia gang and said that as long as this approach persists, there is little hope of establishing a reasonable process.

Baghaei attributed the relatively calmer atmosphere in recent days to the prudence of Iran's Armed Forces, warning that any US action would be met with an immediate and decisive response. He emphasized that Iran should not be held responsible for the current situation, asserting that the United States is wholly accountable. He characterized recent attacks on routes to Mashhad and Shalamcheh as indicative of American hostility toward values sacred to Iranians, labeling them as clear examples of war crimes. He dismissed reports of a 10-day ceasefire agreement, calling them mere media speculations and outright denying their validity.

According to Mehr News, Baghaei's remarks came during a press conference in Tehran.