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Iran said it remains ready for dialogue with the U.S. but accused Washington of making “excessive demands” that prevent the resumption of formal negotiations.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baghaei said Tehran continues to exchange messages with Washington through mediators, but that these contacts should not be viewed as official talks.
“As long as the U.S. maintains its excessive expectations, there will be no ground for negotiations or compromise,” Baghaei told reporters at a press conference in Tehran.
When asked about Egypt’s possible role as a new mediator, Baghaei confirmed that communication between Iran and the U.S. continues through intermediaries but stressed that this does not indicate a new phase of negotiations.
He added that any talks would only be possible under conditions of mutual respect and equality.
Baghaei also responded to reports that U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff had received a phone call from Iran, saying such contacts occur only through intermediaries.
He reiterated that Iran is open to “reasonable dialogue” if it respects the country’s interests and rights, particularly on nuclear issues.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei delivered harsh criticism of U.S. President Donald Trump during a meeting with Iranian athletes and scientists who recently won medals at international competitions, state media reported Monday.
Referring to recent mass protests in the U.S., Khamenei said, “If you truly have any ability, instead of spreading lies, meddling in other countries’ affairs, and establishing military bases, calm down the millions of people in your own country and send them back home.”
He praised Iranian youth for their achievements, saying their success boosts national morale at a time when “the enemy is waging soft power wars to spread despair.”
Khamenei described their accomplishments as “the strongest response” to such efforts.
Addressing Iran’s missile capabilities, Khamenei emphasized that the country’s missiles are domestically produced.
“Iran did not buy or lease its missiles; they are made by our own youth and armed forces, and we can use them again if necessary,” he said.
He also condemned U.S. and Israeli actions in Gaza, holding Washington responsible for “the crimes committed by the Zionist regime.”
He accused the U.S. of spreading terrorism in the region, saying, “America created Daesh and continues to use some of them.”
Khamenei specifically addressed Trump’s claim that the U.S. “destroyed Iran’s nuclear facilities,” calling the comments “false and arrogant.”
“Who are you to decide what a country’s nuclear industry should or should not be? Iran’s nuclear program is none of your business. Such interference is improper, wrong, and bullying,” he said.
He also rejected Trump’s assertion that the U.S. brought peace to the region, saying: “You start the wars. The United States incites conflicts under the guise of fighting terrorism. Otherwise, why are there so many U.S. bases in the region?”
Khamenei added that “oppression may work on some nations, but with God’s help, it will have no effect on the Iranian people.”
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