Iran has ruled out negotiations with the United States, saying talks cannot take place in an atmosphere of military threats, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Wednesday, as tensions escalate following recent US military deployments in the Middle East.
Speaking in Paris, Araghchi said diplomacy could not proceed while Washington continued to issue threats against the Islamic republic. His remarks came after the United States deployed an aircraft carrier strike group to the region and as US President Donald Trump declined to rule out military action over Iran’s crackdown on protests.
The Iranian foreign minister said there had been no recent contact with US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, adding that Iran had not sought negotiations. He said discussions would only be possible if the United States abandoned threats and what he described as excessive or unrealistic demands.
Regional reactions and military deployments
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian earlier warned that US pressure and military threats would only deepen instability in the region. His comments followed confirmation by US Central Command that a US naval strike group, led by an aircraft carrier, had taken up position in Middle Eastern waters.
Saudi Arabia sought to distance itself from any escalation. Riyadh said Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had assured President Pezeshkian that Saudi airspace and territory would not be used for military actions against Iran.
Trump warns Iran time is running out on nuclear talks, signals possible escalation
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards also issued warnings to neighbouring countries. Mohammad Akbarzadeh, a senior official in the IRGC naval forces, said states allowing their territory, airspace, or waters to be used against Iran would be considered hostile, according to Iran’s Fars news agency.
Mixed signals from Washington
President Trump has issued mixed messages on Iran in recent days, warning of military consequences while also suggesting that Tehran was interested in reaching a deal. US officials have not publicly detailed potential options, though Washington has maintained a strong military presence across the region.
Turkey has urged restraint, with Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan reiterating opposition to military action and calling for renewed diplomacy on the nuclear issue. Turkey, a NATO member sharing a long border with Iran, has repeatedly warned against steps that could trigger wider regional conflict.
The standoff comes amid continued unrest inside Iran and heightened international scrutiny, with both sides signalling sharply different positions on the prospects for dialogue.
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