June 26-2025 — Tehran/Washington D.C
Iranian officials have denied reports that direct or indirect talks between Iran and the U.S. will take place next week, contradicting claims by former U.S. president Donald Trump earlier this week. Their announcement follows increased regional tensions as well as speculation regarding U.S.-Iran relations in light of recent military escalations incidents.
Nasser Kanaani, spokesperson of Iran’s Foreign Ministry stated during a press briefing in Tehran on Thursday: “No meetings, formal channels or diplomatic engagement with the US is planned in the near future or imminently,” adding: “The Islamic Republic of Iran has no agreement to hold such discussions and any reports suggesting otherwise are false and baseless.”
Trump had made statements at a campaign rally in Florida on Monday where he suggested Iran had agreed to meet U.S. officials “next week,” following what he described as successful strikes by American forces on Iranian nuclear and military infrastructure. This clarification came following remarks from Trump at said rally where he claimed Iran agreed to meet U.S. officials at some point soon after these strikes had taken place.
Trump made an exclamation that was widely taken to be an attempt at portraying himself as an effective dealmaker who could force adversaries to negotiate through demonstrations of military strength. “Now they want meetings again because they have seen what real power looks like,” Trump stated, in reference to recent airstrikes that apparently targeted underground facilities in Syria and Iran. His words were widely understood as attempts at portraying himself as someone capable of forcing adversaries onto the negotiation table by showing military force.
Trump’s claim has been disproved both by Iranian officials and current U.S. government sources, with Iranian officials and senior Biden administration official on condition of anonymity stating “there are no scheduled negotiations with Iran at this time – our diplomatic posture continues to emphasize multilateral channels and regional de-escalation.”
Iran state media followed in line with the Foreign Ministry statement and dismissed Trump’s statements as propaganda aimed at manipulating domestic U.S. politics. Iranian analysts believe his narrative may reflect more campaign optics than actual diplomatic progress.
International observers have expressed grave concern that Donald Trump’s uncorrected claims could lead to confusion or miscalculation within an already delicate geopolitical climate.
Dr. Anya Azari, a regional analyst for the International Crisis Group noted: “Publicly floating hypothetical negotiations may have real-world ramifications.” These imaginary talks risk undermining efforts made by neutral parties to foster dialogue while further hardening positions on both sides.