Donald Trump had said on Wednesday that the two sides would talk next week and “may” sign an agreement.
Iran has rejected claims that new nuclear negotiations with the United States are set to begin, casting doubt on the possibility of renewed diplomacy. The denial comes just days after former U.S. President Donald Trump suggested a potential breakthrough deal could happen as soon as next week.
In a televised interview Thursday night, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi firmly dismissed the speculation.
“I say clearly that no agreement, arrangement, or discussion has taken place regarding the start of new negotiations,” Araghchi said. “Some of this talk about resuming talks should not be taken seriously.”
Trump’s Claim and Ongoing Tensions
Trump had stated on Wednesday that talks between the U.S. and Iran could resume next week and that a new deal “may” be signed. If true, it would mark the first formal discussions since the recent 12-day war between Iran and Israel — a conflict that saw direct U.S. involvement and derailed previous diplomatic efforts aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear program.
While some Iranian leaders, including the president, have signaled openness to negotiations, internal divisions remain. Hardliners within the government continue to oppose talks, especially in the wake of the recent conflict.
UN Inspectors Rebuffed
Araghchi also rejected a request by the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog to assess damage to Iranian nuclear facilities struck during the conflict. He described the destruction as “considerable and serious” but said Iran had no current plans to host International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi in Tehran.
Iran suspended cooperation with the IAEA on Thursday, accusing the agency of enabling Israel by criticizing Iran and thus providing justification for the recent strikes.
The latest developments further complicate efforts to revive nuclear diplomacy, as mistrust and fallout from the conflict continue to strain international relations.
