Amid escalating tensions over its nuclear program, Iran has denied agreeing to resume negotiations with the United States. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Thursday that no arrangement or commitment has been made for new talks, emphasizing that Tehran’s decisions will prioritize national interests.
“Our decisions will be based solely on Iran’s interests,” the spokesperson stated in an interview with state media. “If our interests require a return to negotiations, we will consider it. But at this stage, no agreement or promise has been made, and no talks have taken place.”
The denial came after reports suggested that Washington had proposed discussions with Tehran in the coming weeks. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused U.S. officials of exaggerating the impact of any potential strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
“The United States gains nothing from hostility against Iran and instead receives a harsh response,” Khamenei said in a televised speech, congratulating the Iranian nation on its resilience. He insisted that any threats or actions against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure would be met with steadfast resistance.
In Washington, debates have emerged over the true impact of sanctions and pressures on Iran’s nuclear program. Some analysts suggest that Iran’s progress may be less hindered than claimed, potentially delaying advancements by only a few months. This contrasts with statements from some U.S. officials, who assert that Iran’s capabilities have been significantly curtailed.
Meanwhile, Israeli officials have expressed concern over Iran’s nuclear activities. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously stated that Israel will not allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons, warning that any attempts to advance its nuclear program would be met with firm action.
Qin Tian, deputy director of the Institute of Middle East Studies at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, commented on the conflicting narratives regarding Iran’s nuclear capabilities. “Iran is deliberately keeping the situation regarding its nuclear facilities and the transfer of enriched uranium ambiguous because its nuclear capabilities serve as a crucial bargaining chip in its negotiations with the United States,” he explained.
Qin suggested that Iran has two main approaches in dealing with nuclear talks. “The first option is to consider rebuilding and restoring its nuclear capabilities, which could trigger military responses. The second option is to keep the extent of its remaining uranium enrichment capabilities intentionally vague. By employing this strategy of calculated ambiguity, Iran aims to retain leverage for future nuclear negotiations.”
He added that ongoing tensions have further deepened mutual distrust between Iran and the West. For Iran, its nuclear capability is not merely a matter of military strength or national deterrence but also a symbol of national dignity. “Whether a new agreement on the Iranian nuclear issue can be reached—and whether Iran is willing to make concessions—remains highly uncertain,” Qin concluded.
