Iran rules out talks with US amid escalating tensions, envoy says

Iran is facing intensified aggression from the United States and Israel and is not considering negotiations with Washington under current circumstances, Tehran’s ambassador to Russia said.

In an interview with Russian state news agency RIA Novosti, Ambassador Kazem Jalali said that due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East, Iran’s primary focus is on safeguarding its national sovereignty and territorial integrity. In such conditions, he indicated, the issue of negotiations with the United States is not under consideration.

Jalali added that Iran had previously engaged in talks with the United States, including two rounds of negotiations with representatives of President Donald Trump. However, he characterised those discussions as having served as a "prelude to aggression" and as "a tool of deception."

The ambassador also maintained that Iran has never abandoned the negotiating table, arguing that Tehran remains confident about the peaceful nature of its nuclear programme and sees no obstacles to measures aimed at strengthening trust and transparency.

By Sabina Mammadli