Iran-US Talks Fail to Evolve into Real Negotiations
"Exchange of messages has not stopped between Iran and the United States; there have been different exchanges of messages by our officials, directly or through mediators, but ... it is difficult to name it as a real negotiation, but the exchanges of views exist, and we are ready for any genuine discussion and negotiation if the other side decides to have such kind of negotiation with us," Ali Bahreini told media during a media briefing with select journalists in Geneva.
Bahreini clarified that Tehran does not pursue conflict but will respond if confrontation is forced upon it.
The diplomat stated Iran had participated in "dialogue and negotiation" with the US prior to the 12-day war with Israel and was "at the table of negotiations," but accused Washington of sabotaging the process by supporting and permitting Israel to strike Iran, while also participating in the assault. He emphasized, "It was not Iran who left the table."
Despite these events, Bahreini said Iran continues to welcome "any kind of dialogue and negotiation" provided it operates on principles of "mutual interest," "mutual respect," and acknowledgment of the "dignity of all parties."
He noted that if negotiations become a mechanism to force one party's demands on another, such discussions "cannot be named or labeled as negotiation," adding Iran rejects this methodology.
The envoy identified "the main requirement for a discussion and negotiation" as honoring the dignity and rights of all participants, including Iran's entitlement to peaceful nuclear technology.
Bahreini declared any form of aggression toward Iran constitutes a red line and the nation stands prepared against it.
Addressing wider regional dynamics, Bahreini challenged what he characterized as inconsistent international treatment of Israel, questioning why sanctions, expulsions, or emergency UN sessions have not targeted Israel following two years of bloodshed in Gaza and occupied territories, while comparable actions routinely target Iran.
Concerning internet restrictions, the envoy predicted complete internet access would return "very soon" with "no restriction," noting the economy "depends on it."
Bahreini stated "violence and terrorist activities" have ceased "at this stage," but cautioned this provides no assurance against future recurrence.
US-Iran tensions remain elevated amid regional warfare, economic sanctions, and military threats, with sporadic indirect communication but no official negotiations in progress.
Iran has consistently stated it refuses talks conducted under duress, while US officials have indicated qualified receptiveness to diplomacy, leaving immediate negotiation prospects uncertain.
Friction between Washington and Tehran has intensified following recent protests in Iran that became violent and caused over 3,000 deaths, according to Iranian government figures.
During the protest peak earlier this month, Trump warned Iran's government he would "come to the rescue" of demonstrators if deadly force was deployed against them.
Subsequently, he urged protesters to "keep protesting" and to "take over institutions," stating that "help was on its way." He also signaled leadership change was necessary, which many in Iran interpreted as a threat against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Most recently, Saturday saw the US president announce an American "armada" is advancing toward the Middle East and that the US is actively tracking developments in Iran, validating reports that aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and multiple guided-missile destroyers will reach the region within days.
His statements provoked fierce reactions from Iranian political and military officials, who pledged a powerful retaliation should any attack occur against the country.
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