Iran rejects US talks, vows continued resistance amid escalating conflict

Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister, has declared that Iran will not engage in negotiations with the United States, insisting that Tehran remains committed to continuing its resistance amid the ongoing conflict.

Speaking on state television on Wednesday, Araghchi dismissed reports of active talks, stating that Iran’s position remains firm.

“At present, our policy is the continuation of resistance… We do not intend to negotiate — so far, no negotiations have taken place,” he said, adding that discussing negotiations at this stage would amount to “an admission of defeat.”

His remarks came in response to statements from the White House, where Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt claimed that discussions were ongoing and “productive.” The White House also warned it could “unleash hell” on Iran if it refused to pursue a peace deal.

Earlier, officials in Pakistan disclosed that Islamabad had relayed a 15-point proposal from the United States aimed at ending the conflict, which began on February 28 following joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran and has since escalated across the region.

Leavitt acknowledged that there were “elements of truth” in reports about the proposal. However, Araghchi downplayed its significance, describing the initiative as a set of ideas that had been forwarded to Iranian authorities for consideration.

He noted that while messages continue to be exchanged through intermediary countries and individuals, such contacts do not constitute formal negotiations.

The Iranian foreign minister also emphasised that the country has demonstrated its capacity to defend itself, suggesting that its military response has effectively created a deterrent against future provocations.

“In this war, we showed the world that no one can provoke the Islamic Republic… provoking Iran carries heavy consequences,” he said.