Iran Rejects US Talks as Trump Says Deal Still Possible Amid Escalating War

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent

WASHINGTON/JERUSALEM/TEHRAN (Worthy News) – Iran said early Thursday it has no plan to hold negotiations with the United States, rejecting Washington’s claims of ongoing talks, as the nearly month-long U.S.-Israeli war against Tehran continued to rattle the Middle East and global markets.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told state television that exchanges of messages through intermediaries “are not negotiations,” adding that Tehran’s policy remains one of “resistance,” highlighting a widening gap with the U.S. push for diplomacy.

The stance contrasts with the White House position. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said contacts are ongoing and “productive,” while U.S. President Donald J. Trump, speaking at a dinner for Republican lawmakers in Washington, said he believes Iran ultimately wants a deal.

Trump has said any agreement must include strict limits on Iran’s nuclear and missile programs, conditions Tehran has historically rejected.

Iran has signaled it will not negotiate under pressure and continues to link any deal to broader regional demands.

CONFLICTING CLAIMS OVER TALKS

Yet a U.S. proposal outlining possible terms to end the conflict has been transmitted via intermediaries, including Pakistan, according to officials familiar with the matter, though details remain undisclosed.

There have also been reports that U.S. Vice President JD Vance could travel to Pakistan for talks as early as this weekend if negotiations proceed, though that has not been officially confirmed.

Iran has acknowledged receiving proposals but rejected them, criticizing what it describes as excessive U.S. demands.

Uncertainty also surrounds who would represent Tehran in formal talks, amid reports that several senior Iranian figures may have been killed earlier in the conflict, though this could not be independently verified.

IRAN SEEKS BROADER TERMS

Iran is also pressing for broader conditions beyond its own territory.

Regional sources say Tehran has told mediators any agreement must include an end to Israel’s military operations in Lebanon.

However, a senior U.S. official said dismantling Iran’s regional proxy network, including Hezbollah, is essential for long-term stability in Lebanon and across the region.

Israel has ruled out negotiations with Iran and signaled that operations against Hezbollah would continue regardless of developments on the Iran front.

Analysts say these opposing demands could complicate or delay any settlement.

REGIONAL IMPACT AND MARKET SHOCK

The conflict has already had a severe regional impact.

Lebanese authorities and United Nations agencies say more than 1,000 people have been killed and over one million displaced, though the figures could not be independently verified.

In Israel, more than a dozen people have been killed and over 5,000 injured since the start of the conflict, according to officials.

Officials in Gulf states have reported scores of casualties following Iranian missile and drone strikes since the conflict began, though confirmed figures remain limited and continue to evolve.

Separately, global markets have reacted sharply amid concerns about disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies pass.

Bloomberg News service, citing people familiar with the matter, reported that Iran has sought payments of up to $2 million per voyage from some commercial vessels transiting the strait, though Tehran has not confirmed the practice.

RUSSIA LINK RAISES ESCALATION FEARS

Fears of a prolonged conflict have intensified amid reports that Russia may be increasing its support for Iran.

Western intelligence cited in media reports suggests Moscow could be preparing shipments that include drones, alongside humanitarian supplies such as medicine and food.

The reports, attributed to officials familiar with the intelligence, could not be independently verified.

The Kremlin denied providing military assistance, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissing the claims while confirming ongoing dialogue with Iranian leadership.

Analysts say any confirmed military support from Moscow would mark a significant escalation. The White House has indicated the conflict could last several weeks, though the prospects for diplomacy remain unclear.

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