Iran denies recent US contact amid military threats and war fears

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has publicly denied having any recent contact with the United States, directly countering claims from President Donald Trump that Tehran is actively seeking dialogue. The statement comes as fears of a potential US military strike against Iran continue to rise, fueled by American naval deployments and escalating rhetoric.

Official Denial Contradicts Trump’s Claim

In a statement carried by Iran's Fars News Agency on Wednesday, Foreign Minister Araghchi explicitly refuted President Trump's assertions. "There has been no contact between me and [US envoy] Witkoff in recent days, and we have not requested talks," Araghchi stated. This directly contradicts Trump's comments from Tuesday, in which he told Axios news that Iran desires a deal: "They want to make a deal. I know so. They called on numerous occasions. They want to talk." Trump made these remarks while also announcing that another US naval "armada" is moving toward the region, creating a backdrop of military pressure.

Iran’s Conditions for Negotiations: No Talks Under Threat

Araghchi used his statement to outline Iran's conditions for any future diplomacy. He called on the US to abandon "threats, excessive demands and the raising of unreasonable issues," arguing that talks must be conducted "on an equal footing." The minister was unequivocal: "Negotiations under threat cannot succeed." He acknowledged that several countries are acting as intermediaries and remain in contact with Iran, sharing regional concerns about destabilization. "Countries in the region understand that any military threat would destabilize the entire region," Araghchi warned, framing the crisis as a collective security issue beyond the US-Iran bilateral relationship.

Context of Protests and Unyielding Positions

The current diplomatic impasse and war fears have intensified following widespread anti-government protests in Iran that began late last year, driven by economic hardship. The US administration has stated that "all options," including military action, remain on the table in dealing with Tehran, with a stated goal of changing Iran's political system. Iranian officials have consistently promised a "swift and comprehensive" response to any attack. Araghchi concluded by emphasizing that despite various international mediation efforts, Iran's fundamental position "remains unchanged," signaling no immediate willingness to make concessions under duress.