United States President Donald Trump has stated that Iran is willing to engage in peaceful negotiations and desires to end the war that began last month between Israel and the US. However, Iran has categorically denied this claim. On Wednesday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated that although the US has sent messages with various proposals, no talks have taken place. Araqchi described Washington’s mention of negotiations as an admission of defeat and warned that they should no longer demand unconditional surrender. He added that Tehran wants the war to end on its own terms, which include assurances that the US and Israel will not launch further attacks and full compensation for the damages suffered by Iranians.
Emphasizing that Iran is engaging in talks, Trump said, “They are afraid to admit it because they fear they could be killed by their own people.” He further remarked, “They fear they could also be killed by us.” On Wednesday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reported that President Trump has been involved in “productive talks” with Iran over the past three days. She described US actions as “ahead of schedule” and said the Iranian government is searching for a “way back.” However, these statements sharply contrast with those of Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, who said, “There are currently no plans for negotiations” and that the country remains focused on its “security.”
Discrepancies are also evident regarding proposals to end the war. On Wednesday, reports indicated that Iran had received a 15-point plan from the US aiming at establishing a ceasefire. Citing a senior political-security official in Tehran, state-run Press TV outlined five conditions to end the war, including payment for war damages and compensation and a comprehensive ceasefire on all fronts. Despite these efforts, clashes between the two sides continue. Following Iranian missile strikes, smoke was seen rising from an Israeli energy facility, and air defense system alarms were heard in Tehran.
