Talks cannot be held under threat

Refusing claims that he had called for talks with the US, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said he had not contacted US special envoy Steve Witkoff in recent days. He also denied reports that Tehran had requested talks with Washington. He made the remarks to Iranian state media on Wednesday (January 28).

While denying direct contact with Washington amid rising regional tensions, he said indirect channels were active. He said various mediators were consulting and communicating with Tehran.

However, he made it clear that these contacts should not be interpreted as steps towards formal talks with the US. Araqchi said talks cannot proceed under pressure. Talks are possible only when threats and additional demands are lifted. Our position on this is clear, talks cannot be held under threat.

Araqchi's comments came a day after US President Donald Trump sent another "armada" (a large fleet of warships) towards Iran.

It is worth noting that the United States has recently deployed additional military forces to the Gulf region following protests in Iran. This year's protests are believed to be the most severe crackdown in the country since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.