Messages exchanged through mediators, no talks held: Iran

Iran has made it clear that no direct talks or dialogue are currently taking place between Iran and the United States. Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi confirmed that Tehran has had no direct communication with Washington since the devastating Israeli and US attacks on Iran last month. However, important messages have been exchanged between the two sides over the past few days through the mediation of various friendly countries.

Araghchi shared this information in a special interview with Iran's state television IRIB on Wednesday, March 25.

In the interview, the Iranian Foreign Minister said the US side had begun sending various messages through mediators over the past few days. However, this cannot be called 'talks' or 'dialogue' in any way. When a message arrives through friendly countries, Iran simply conveys its principled stance and necessary warnings.

He further noted that Washington had been given a strong warning regarding attacks on Iran's important infrastructure. It was because of this warning that the US backed down from its previously announced plan to attack Iranian power plants within 48 hours.

Araghchi made it clear that Iran does not want war and did not start this war. However, Tehran seeks an end to this conflict in a way that ensures no recurrence. Rejecting any simple ceasefire proposal, he said, "We do not want to get caught in the old 'vicious cycle' of talks, war and temporary peace. Iran wants to end this war on its own terms."

Regarding the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, Araghchi said this waterway is primarily part of Iran and Oman's territorial waters. Iran is carefully considering new security measures for ship movement through this strait under the current situation.

Araghchi's remarks are seen as a direct response to recent claims by US President Donald Trump that Iran was engaged in talks with Washington to reach an agreement to end the war.

On February 28, joint Israeli and US attacks on Tehran and other Iranian cities killed the country's then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several top military officials. In retaliation, Iran has launched drone and missile strikes targeting Israel and US bases in the Middle East. Iran currently maintains strict control over the movement of US and Israel-linked vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.