Two senior White House officials revealed to the American network CNN that Iranian officials had directly contacted the US President’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, as well as others within the US administration in recent days, in an attempt to reopen a diplomatic channel.
However, they clarified that US President Donald Trump had informed his team that he does not wish to engage in negotiations at present.
For his part, Trump said last Sunday that Washington is in contact with Iran, but expressed doubts that Tehran is prepared to engage in serious negotiations to end the conflict.
Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that his administration is speaking with Iran, “but I do not think they are ready.”
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced on Sunday that Tehran is not interested in holding talks with Washington in response to Trump’s remarks.
Araghchi said in an interview with CBS, “We are stable and strong enough. We are only defending our people.”
He added, “We see no reason to talk to the Americans, because we were talking to them when they decided to attack us,” noting that previous experiences of dialogue with the Americans have not been good.”
Araghchi stated, “We have never requested a ceasefire, nor have we ever requested negotiations.”
He pointed out that Iran is prepared to speak with countries that wish to negotiate in order to allow oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
He continued, “I cannot name any specific country, but several countries seeking to ensure a safe passage for their ships have contacted us.”
