ISLAMABAD: Iran has denied reports of upcoming nuclear negotiations with the United States, rejecting claims made by President Donald Trump following a ceasefire in the recent Iran-Israel conflict.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed the speculation, stating that there is no agreement or plan in place for new discussions.
“No agreement, arrangement or conversation has been made to start new negotiations,” Araghchi said in a televised address.
His comments came shortly after Trump’s announcement that talks would begin next week, led by special envoy Steve Witkoff.
The statement also coincides with Iran’s legislative move to suspend cooperation with the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Khamenei Declares ‘Victory’, Criticizes US Narrative
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in his first address since the war ended, labeled the outcome a victory for Iran.
He accused the U.S. of exaggerating the effectiveness of its strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
“The American president exaggerated events in unusual ways,” Khamenei stated, calling the claims of long-term damage to Iran’s program “baseless.”
In contrast, Araghchi acknowledged the damage as “serious,” adding that a formal assessment is currently underway.
Trump had claimed that American B-2 bombers had “obliterated” the Fordow facility, with satellite imagery showing trucks allegedly used to shield the site.
Khamenei dismissed the U.S. version, insisting that Iran’s nuclear infrastructure remained intact and calling the retaliatory missile strikes on Israel a “severe slap.”
Conflicting Damage Reports Stir Debate in US
While the White House maintains that the strikes caused major setbacks, leaked intelligence suggests Iran’s nuclear program may only be delayed by a few months.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Pentagon officials, however, argued that key sites were devastated and will take years to rebuild.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the use of bunker-busting bombs and submarine-launched missiles in the operation.
Doubts persist over whether Iran managed to quietly move 400 kg of enriched uranium before the attacks, a claim the U.S. has denied.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strikes “thwarted Iran’s nuclear project,” but noted it was too early for a complete damage assessment.
Iran maintains its nuclear ambitions are peaceful and protected under international law.
While it has shown openness to future negotiations in principle, officials say dialogue is not possible under current threats and ongoing tensions.
Tehran’s health ministry reported 627 civilian deaths from Israeli strikes, while Iran’s retaliatory attacks on Israel resulted in 28 casualties, according to Israeli authorities.
