Iran’s security chief says no talks with the US are under way. Trump cites momentum toward a deal.
Iran’s top security official said Tuesday that Tehran is not negotiating with Washington, contradicting President Donald Trump’s claim a day earlier of positive momentum toward ending the war. Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, told the broadcaster Al-Mayadeen that no negotiations are taking place. He said Iran has asked the United States for a “clear and explicit” response to its conditions but has not received one. He called the U.S. response “deceptive.”
Rezaei also denied reports of a planned meeting with Vice President JD Vance in Qatar, describing U.S. claims about continuing talks as “complete lies,” according to Tasnim. Iran insists the U.S. must meet seven conditions from a June interim agreement before the Strait of Hormuz reopens and talks resume. A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran submitted a nuclear proposal through Doha, but that further discussions depend on Washington meeting Iranian demands, including sanctions relief, frozen assets and war reparations.
On Monday, after meeting Qatar’s prime minister, Trump said Iran is “militarily, effectively over” and spoke of positive momentum, while saying U.S. forces remain “locked and loaded.” Reuters reported he remains unwilling to accept Iran’s existing truce plan. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said a diplomatic agreement may not be possible and called Tehran’s demands outrageous and ridiculous. The U.S. blockade of Iran continues.
Qatar said Tuesday it has received positive responses from both Washington and Tehran on its mediation, while acknowledging uncertainty over whether a deal is possible.
This report draws on Reuters, Al Jazeera, The Times of Israel, Middle East Monitor and Euronews.