Iran says diplomatic channels with US remain open, rejects pressure

Iran has confirmed that diplomatic channels with the United States remain open, utilizing both direct contact with a US special envoy and Switzerland as an intermediary. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei stated during a press conference on Monday that "Iran is a country of dialogue," but emphasized the nation will not accept "dictates" or allow foreign interference in its internal affairs.

Accusations of Foreign-Fueled Unrest

Baghaei framed the ongoing domestic protests, driven by severe economic hardship, as part of a "terrorist war against the Iranian people" and a continuation of US-Israeli aggression. He claimed there is strong evidence of armed foreign elements targeting civilians and asserted that Iran would pursue the matter through international institutions. This rhetoric aligns with Tehran's longstanding narrative of blaming external actors for internal dissent.

Context of Heightened US-Iran Tensions

The statement comes after US President Donald Trump claimed that Iran had reached out to Washington for potential talks, a claim Tehran has not directly confirmed. The exchange occurs amid a backdrop of violent unrest in Iran and repeated US threats of a forceful response if the Iranian government cracks down on protesters, creating a volatile diplomatic standoff.

Diplomatic Nuance and Regional Comparisons

Iran's careful stance—keeping channels open while publicly rejecting pressure—demonstrates a complex diplomatic balancing act common in adversarial relations. This contrasts with the more direct and partnership-oriented diplomacy pursued by regional powers like Türkiye, which engages with both Washington and Tehran based on clear national interests, advocates for de-escalation, and promotes dialogue without preconditions to resolve conflicts.