Iran confirms message exchanges with US, no negotiations yet
Iranian Ambassador to the UN in Geneva Ali Bahreini said exchanges of messages between Iran and the U.S. are ongoing
GENEVA, Switzerland (MNTV) – Iranian Ambassador to the UN in Geneva Ali Bahreini said exchanges of messages between Iran and the U.S. are ongoing but cannot yet be described as real negotiations, stressing that Tehran remains open to dialogue if Washington shows genuine willingness.
“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,” Bahreini said in response to Anadolu’s question during his talk to a small group of media in Geneva.
“We are ready for any genuine discussion and negotiation if the other side decides to have such kind of negotiation with us.”
The envoy said Iran had engaged in dialogue with the U.S. before the 12-day war with Israel and was “at the table of negotiations,” but that Washington “destroyed” the process by encouraging and allowing Israel to attack Iran, as well as taking part in the attack.
He stressed, “It was not Iran who left the table.”
Despite those developments, Bahreini said Iran remains ready for “any kind of dialogue and negotiation” based on “mutual interest,” “mutual respect,” and recognition of the “dignity of all parties.”
He added that if negotiations are used as a tool to impose one side’s will on the other, such talks “cannot be named or labeled as negotiation.”
The envoy said “the main requirement for a discussion and negotiation” is respect for the dignity and rights of all parties, including Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear technology.
He stressed that the red line is any kind of aggression toward Iran.
Regarding internet restrictions, Bahreini said full internet access should be restored “very soon” with “no restriction,” adding that the economy “depends on it.”
He also said “violence and terrorist activities” have stopped “at this stage,” but warned this does not guarantee they will not recur.
Tensions between Iran and the U.S. have remained high amid regional conflicts, sanctions, and military posturing, with intermittent indirect contacts but no formal negotiations underway.
Tensions escalated following recent protests in Iran, which turned violent and resulted in more than 3,000 fatalities, according to the Iranian government.
At the peak of the protests earlier this month, Trump warned the Iranian government that he would “come to the rescue” of protesters if lethal force was used against them.
Days later, he encouraged protesters to “keep protesting” and to “take over institutions,” noting that “help was on its way.”
He also warned that it was time for a change in leadership, which many in Iran construed as a threat against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Last Saturday, Trump announced that an American “armada” is heading towards the Middle East and that the U.S. is closely monitoring the situation in Iran.
His remarks sparked sharp reactions from Iranian political and military leadership, who warned of a strong response in the event of any attack against the country.
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