Iran ‘only negotiates when not threatened’

“In recent days, Mr. Steve Witkoff and I have not been in contact. Our side has not made any proposals for negotiations,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told state media on January 28.

Mr. Araqchi added that many intermediaries are “conducting consultations” and communicating with Tehran.

“Our position is very clear, negotiations cannot take place when there are threats. Negotiations can only take place when there are no longer threats and excessive demands,” Iran’s Foreign Minister emphasized.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian previously told Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that Tehran welcomes any negotiation process, within the framework of international law, with the aim of preventing war.

President Donald Trump said on January 27 that the US was deploying an additional fleet near Iran, after the Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group was present in the Middle East.

“I hope they will reach a deal, which they should have done from the beginning,” Mr. Trump added.

Tensions between Washington and Tehran have recently escalated due to the wave of anti-government protests that broke out in late December 2025 in Iran, due to traders’ dissatisfaction with the economic situation and the devaluation of the rial currency. The protests were initially peaceful before escalating into deadly violence.

President Trump has repeatedly mentioned the possibility of supporting protesters, not excluding the scenario of ordering air strikes on Iran. However, Washington’s allies warned Mr. Trump of lasting consequences if he carried out an attack, causing the US leader to stop deciding on military action at the last minute. Iran later declared the protests had ended, with more than 3,000 people killed.