Key facts
- Iran's foreign ministry spokesman confirmed ongoing message exchange with the US.
- Tehran accused the US of undermining diplomacy and violating conditions for negotiations.
- US President Donald Trump is considering a limited strike on Iran.
- Iran stated it would defend itself against any US act of aggression.
- A new round of indirect talks between the US and Iran was scheduled.
- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian described recent talks as yielding 'encouraging signals'.
Iran's foreign ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baqaei, stated that the country is continuing to exchange messages with the United States regarding nuclear talks, but accused Washington of undermining diplomatic efforts. Baqaei told Austria's ORF television that the US had destroyed and violated conditions vital for negotiations, describing recent attacks on Iran as an "illegal war."
These remarks come as a new round of talks between the US and Iran is scheduled to take place in Geneva. Tehran has reiterated its desire for a diplomatic solution concerning its nuclear program but has also warned that it will defend itself if Washington resorts to military action. Baqaei emphasized that any US attack, including limited strikes, would be considered an "act of aggression" and would precipitate a response.
US President Donald Trump had previously stated he was considering a limited strike if Tehran did not reach a deal. On Sunday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian indicated that nuclear talks had produced "encouraging signals" but cautioned that Tehran was prepared for any scenario ahead of the upcoming negotiations. He wrote on X that "Iran is committed to peace and stability in the region."
The two nations concluded a second round of indirect talks in Switzerland on Tuesday, mediated by Oman, amidst the largest US military build-up in the region since the 2003 Iraq war. A third round of indirect talks was scheduled for Thursday in Geneva, with Oman expressing optimism about finalizing a deal. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has been leading the negotiations for Iran, while the US delegation includes envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
Baqaei dismissed speculation about a temporary agreement, stating that details are discussed in negotiations and that such rumors have no basis. Al Jazeera reported a mix of optimism and pessimism in Tehran, with a "pragmatically calibrated cautiousness" due to the US military build-up. Iran is considering both diplomatic engagement and regional confrontation. Witkoff, in a Fox News interview, questioned why Iran had not "capitulated" given the US military deployment, a sentiment Baqaei countered by stressing that Iranians have never capitulated.