‘Only Received Requests’: Iran Rejects US’ Claims, Says No Talks Took Place Since War Began

Last Updated:March 31, 2026, 03:33 IST

In a statement released on Tuesday, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said that throughout the 31 days of war, there had been no negotiations with the US.

Washington has warned of “severe consequences” if Iran does not engage with its proposed peace framework.

West Asia War: Iran has firmly rejected claims of holding any direct or indirect talks or negotiations with the US since the war began on February 28, contradicting repeated claims from Washington that talks are progressing “very well”.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said that throughout the 31 days of war, there had been no negotiations with the US. Foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei clarified that what had occurred was only a request for talks from Washington, along with proposals sent through intermediaries, including Pakistan.

“We have had no negotiations with America in these thirty-one days. What has occurred is the submission of a negotiation request, accompanied by a set of proposals from #America, which has reached us through certain intermediaries, including Pakistan,” Baqaei said in a post on X.

He further said that Iran remains focused on defending itself amid ongoing military action. He also referred to past diplomatic efforts, saying Iran had experienced “betrayal” in previous negotiations.

“Our position is very clear. At present, as America’s military aggression and invasion continue with full intensity, all our efforts and capabilities are devoted to defending Iran’s essence. We have felt the previous experiences with our flesh, skin, and bones, and we do not forget the betrayal that was inflicted upon diplomacy in two instances within less than a year,” he added.

The statement came in response to comments from the White House, where Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said talks with Iran were “continuing and going well,” suggesting that Tehran’s private communications differ from its public stance.

US President Donald Trump has also repeatedly said that negotiations are progressing and that a deal could be reached soon. He claimed that the US is engaging with Iranian officials through both direct and indirect channels.

Trump further indicated that Washington has been in contact with Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, describing him as a potential interlocutor and saying the US would assess within a week whether he is someone it can work with.

The conflicting statements highlight a widening gap between public positions taken by both sides, even as backchannel communications appear to be under scrutiny.

The Iran–US–Israel war, launched on February 28 under Operation Epic Fury, has now entered its second month with no signs of de-escalation. The conflict, which saw the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the initial strikes, continues to intensify across the region.

Efforts to end the war have so far failed to make progress. US President Donald Trump proposed a 15-point peace plan, but Iran rejected it and instead put forward five conditions, including war reparations, the lifting of sanctions, and recognition of its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.

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