TEHRAN: Iran is assessing a range of diplomatic avenues to ease growing tensions with the United States and expects progress in the coming days, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday.
The remarks come as the US Navy increases its military presence near Iran and after President Donald Trump claimed that Tehran was “seriously talking” with Washington. Trump’s comments followed a statement by Iran’s senior security official Ali Larijani, who indicated that preparations for negotiations were underway.
Baghaei said regional countries are facilitating the exchange of messages between the two sides. “Various points have been shared, and we are currently reviewing the details of each diplomatic path in hopes of achieving results in the coming days,” he said, noting that discussions are focused on the structure and framework of any potential talks.
Tehran has strongly rejected claims that it received an ultimatum from President Trump over negotiations on its nuclear program. Trump had earlier said he imposed a deadline for Iran to enter talks and warned of possible military action if diplomacy failed.
Addressing reporters, Baghaei said Iran does not respond to pressure tactics. “Iran conducts diplomacy with seriousness and transparency, but it does not accept ultimatums. Therefore, such claims cannot be confirmed,” he said.
Earlier, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated that Iran is willing to resume dialogue with the United States, provided talks are fair and do not include Iran’s defence capabilities.
Separately, Iranian authorities announced the arrest of four foreign nationals of unspecified nationalities for their alleged role in riots during last month’s deadly protests. State television reported that the individuals were detained during a raid in Tehran province.
According to the report, four homemade stun grenades were recovered from one suspect’s belongings, allegedly used during the unrest. No further details about the detainees were released.
