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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denied having recent contact with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff on Wednesday, contradicting claims by U.S. President Donald Trump that Tehran is seeking diplomatic talks as fears of a potential American military strike grow.
"There has been no contact between me and Witkoff in recent days, and we have not requested talks," Araghchi told state media, as cited by Fars News Agency.
The denial came hours after Trump said another "armada" is heading toward Iran and claimed Tehran wants to negotiate.
"They want to make a deal. I know so. They called on numerous occasions. They want to talk," Trump told Axios on Tuesday.
Araghchi acknowledged that several countries are acting as intermediaries and remain in contact with Iran, noting that regional states share concerns about the escalation of tensions.
"Countries in the region understand that any military threat would destabilize the entire region," he warned.
Araghchi called on the United States to abandon what he described as threats, excessive demands and the raising of "unreasonable issues," arguing that negotiations have their own principles and must take place on equal footing.
"Negotiations under threat cannot succeed," he said.
"Our stance is clear, negotiations don't go along with threats and talks can only take place when there are no longer menaces and excessive demands," Araghchi added.
While various individuals and countries have expressed interest in mediation or have reached out, Iran's position "remains unchanged," according to Araghchi.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday that Tehran welcomes any process, within the framework of international law, that prevents war.
Tensions escalated between Tehran and Washington following anti-government protests in Iran, with the U.S. administration saying all options, including military action, remain on the table.
Iranian officials have warned that any U.S. attack would draw a "swift and comprehensive" response.
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