Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan on Wednesday said there had been no talks between Washington or Tehran, after United States President Donald Trump signalled tentative progress in diplomatic efforts to end the war.
“We have also heard such details through the media, but according to my information — and contrary to Trump’s claims — so far no negotiations, direct or indirect, have taken place between the two countries,” said ambassador Reza Amiri Moghadam, according to AFP, adding that it was “natural that friendly countries are always engaged in consultations with both sides to end this illegitimate aggression”.
The conflict began on February 28, 2026, when the United States and Israel launched coordinated large-scale airstrikes on Iran under Operations Epic Fury and Roaring Lion. The initial wave targeted hundreds of military sites, missile facilities, nuclear-related infrastructure, and leadership targets, resulting in the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several senior officials. Iran responded with barrages of ballistic missiles and drones against Israel, U.S. bases in the Gulf, and regional allies, while partially restricting passage through the Strait of Hormuz, which disrupted global oil supplies and drove prices sharply higher. The strikes came after the collapse of indirect nuclear talks and amid long-standing tensions over Iran’s nuclear program, ballistic missiles, and support for regional proxies.
President Trump has claimed progress in diplomacy. On March 23, he announced “very good and productive conversations” with Iran, stating that U.S. envoys—including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner—had engaged senior Iranian figures. He postponed planned strikes on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for several days to allow talks to continue, describing points of agreement such as preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Reports indicate the administration transmitted a 15-point ceasefire framework to Iran via Pakistani intermediaries. This plan reportedly covers nuclear dismantlement, limits on uranium enrichment and missiles, sanctions relief, IAEA monitoring, and secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump has portrayed the U.S. as militarily dominant and suggested a deal could emerge soon, even claiming Iran offered a significant concession related to oil and the strait.
Iranian officials have firmly rejected these assertions as unfounded or “fake news.” The ambassador’s statement on Wednesday aligns with consistent denials from Tehran, including from military spokesmen who have said the U.S. is “negotiating with itself.” While Pakistan has positioned itself as a potential mediator—offering to host talks and reportedly relaying the U.S. proposal—Iran insists that such consultations by “friendly countries” do not constitute direct or indirect negotiations between the two sides.
Fresh Iranian missile strikes were reported earlier today, underscoring that military actions continue despite the diplomatic signaling.
