OMM Newsroom
Iran accused the United States on Monday of lacking seriousness in negotiations, saying Washington had repeatedly confused diplomacy with imposing demands on Tehran. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei made the remarks at his weekly news conference, according to Anadolu Agency.
“The American side is not serious about negotiations,” Baqaei said, as cited by the state-run IRNA news agency. He accused Washington of repeatedly making false claims and recalled that US President Donald Trump had expressed support for negotiations shortly before US military attacks on Iran in June 2025.
“What do you call this? Do you see any goodwill in this approach?” Baqaei asked.
He said Tehran had received no new European proposal for negotiations beyond a political statement. Baqaei criticised Britain, France and Germany for their positions during the conflict, accusing them of following Washington’s lead on restoring UN sanctions and failing to condemn military attacks against Iran.
Baqaei rejects claims about Iran’s nuclear programme
Baqaei reiterated that Iran had never possessed nuclear weapons or sought to acquire them. He accused Washington of using allegations about Tehran’s nuclear programme to justify military action.
He said Iran had negotiated in good faith and signed the 2015 nuclear agreement, but the United States withdrew from it three years later. Baqaei also accused the US administration of being influenced by Israeli claims about Iran’s nuclear programme, describing allegations that Tehran was developing a nuclear bomb as a justification for military aggression.
On three Iranian pilots whose aircraft were hit in Qatar, Baqaei said Iran continued to hold Qatar responsible for clarifying their fate.
“Until we have evidence of their deaths or receive precise information and documentation, we assume that the country where their aircraft were hit must be held accountable,” he said.
Tehran was pursuing the matter in coordination with its military leadership, through technical delegations and in legal discussions, he added.
Baqaei confirmed that a Qatari delegation had recently visited Tehran, saying the trip involved bilateral cooperation and regional mediation efforts. He described such visits as normal during regional conflicts and said Qatar had sought to convey messages and present its positions.
Commenting on Israel’s upcoming elections and threats of military action against Iran, Baqaei accused Israeli politicians of competing over who could commit more crimes.
“It makes no difference to us who takes charge of a regime with a history of violence and killings,” he said.
Iran discusses Russia visit and regional disputes
Baqaei confirmed that President Masoud Pezeshkian would travel to Russia on Monday night to attend a summit of gas-exporting countries. He said the visit would offer opportunities to strengthen energy cooperation with Moscow and hold consultations with other major energy-producing countries.
Addressing border-related difficulties with Pakistan and Iraq, Baqaei said discussions with Islamabad were progressing positively. Pakistan had described the issue as technical while also raising security concerns, including reports of planned attacks, he said.
On Iraq, Baqaei said Iranian diplomatic missions were pursuing the matter. He warned that US pressure on Baghdad could harm the Iraqi population and bilateral relations.
Baqaei said Iran had summoned the Italian ambassador on Sunday to express concern over authorities’ handling of protests in European countries. He accused France, Belgium and Italy of using excessive force and restricting the right to protest, saying such measures were inconsistent with their human rights obligations. The French ambassador had also been summoned previously, he added.
On the conflict involving Saudi Arabia and Yemen, Baqaei said regional security was interconnected and instability in one country could affect others. He said the dispute should be resolved between Saudi Arabia and Yemen and reiterated Tehran’s readiness to help facilitate a settlement.
“Military approaches make problems more complicated and cause extensive damage,” he said, expressing hope that Saudi Arabia would pursue a negotiated solution.
Tensions between Washington and Tehran have persisted since the United States and Israel launched military attacks on Iran on Feb. 28, triggering a regional conflict and disrupting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
On June 18, Trump and Pezeshkian signed a Pakistan-mediated memorandum of understanding aimed at ending hostilities, reopening the strategic waterway and paving the way for a broader agreement.
Disagreements over its implementation, including the US naval blockade, sanctions and navigation through the strait, have continued to hinder diplomatic efforts.
Earlier this month, Iran said restoring security to the Strait of Hormuz remained central to negotiations with Washington, insisting that the United States must take specific steps to resolve the standoff.
