No ’interim deal’ with US: Iran

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghai has directly ruled out the possibility of any 'interim deal' with Washington.

Speaking at a press conference in Tehran on Monday (February 23) morning, he said that it is not unusual for rumors to circulate in various circles about nuclear talks. However, there is no basis for the news of a temporary agreement between Tehran and Washington.

He stressed that only detailed decisions are made at the negotiating table and that these claims that are being spread outside are by no means certain.

Rejecting US official Steve Witkoff's comments on the ability to build nuclear weapons, Baghai said that contradictory statements by US officials are nothing new. He made it clear that there is no word like 'concession' or 'surrender' in Iran's political dictionary. Iran's main goal for the past 47 years has been to protect its sovereignty and independence.

He also said that no special conditions would be given to the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, to inspect nuclear facilities and stressed that Iran would not make any concessions to protect its national interests.

Baghai also warned against listing the air force and navy of European Union countries as "terrorist entities". He said that from now on, Iran will view the military presence of the 27 EU countries in the Persian Gulf and the surrounding region in a different light, which will have dire consequences.

He also could not confirm any information about Larijani's possible visit to the mediator country Oman or sending any new proposals.

Regarding the talks scheduled for Thursday (February 26), Baghai said that Tehran does not want to waste time through negotiations and is ready for a final and meaningful result. However, if any party wants to impose its demands unilaterally, the talks will not be fruitful.

He warned that if the United States resorts to manipulation or deception under the guise of negotiations or chooses the path of conflict, Iran's armed forces are on alert 24 hours a day and are ready to give a befitting reply to any military provocation.

Source: Meher News.