Iran has rejected claims by Donald Trump that Tehran is seeking negotiations with the United States, as the conflict enters its 16th day.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed the suggestion in an interview with CBS News’s Face The Nation.
“We are stable and strong enough. We are only defending our people,” Araghchi said.
“We don’t see any reason why we should talk with Americans, because we were talking with them when they decided to attack us.
“There is no good experience talking with Americans.”
Araghchi also insisted Iran had not requested negotiations or a ceasefire.
“We never asked for a ceasefire, and we have never asked even for negotiation,” he said.
Trump had earlier claimed Iran wanted a deal to end the war but said he was not prepared to negotiate under current conditions.
Despite rejecting talks with Washington, Araghchi said Iran was open to discussions with other countries over arrangements for selected oil tankers to pass through the key Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, a sixth member of the Iran women’s national football team has returned to the war-torn country.
According to reports, the player is believed to be captain Zahra Ghanbari, who has already departed Australia.
Source: Daily Telegraph.
