Iran Denies Direct Talks with US, Confirms Only Message Exchange via Intermediaries

Iranian officials have categorically denied reports of direct negotiations with the United States, stating that communication has been limited to messages exchanged through third-party countries. The clarification comes in response to recent claims by U.S. President Donald Trump about productive bilateral talks.

Ismail Baghaei, a spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry, confirmed that Tehran had received messages from "some friendly countries" in recent days regarding U.S. Demands for talks aimed at ending the ongoing conflict. "A response was given in accordance with the country's principled position," he stated, emphasizing that no direct dialogue with Washington had taken place.

Baghaei further indicated that the American side was warned about the severe consequences of any attacks on Iran's critical infrastructure and Tehran's readiness to deliver a decisive response.

The denial was echoed by Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Speaker of Iran's Parliament. In a post on social media platform X, Ghalibaf labeled reports of negotiations as "fake news." He asserted that such stories were being used to manipulate financial and oil markets and to help the U.S. And Israel "escape from the quagmire they themselves have fallen into."

"No negotiations have been held with America," Ghalibaf wrote. "Our people demand full and regret-inducing punishment for the aggressors. All officials are firmly standing behind their leader and their people until this goal is achieved."

The Iranian statements directly contradict an announcement made by former U.S. President Donald Trump on his Truth Social platform. Trump claimed that over the past two days, the United States and Iran had held "very good and productive negotiations" concerning a complete and final settlement of their differences in the Middle East.

The conflicting narratives highlight the deep-seated tensions and lack of direct diplomatic channels between the two nations, with Iran insisting all communication is mediated through intermediaries.