Iran Denies Reports of Interim Agreement with U.S., Says Talks Remain Preliminary
Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei holds a weekly press conference in Tehran on October 28, 2024. Israel on October 26 launched air strikes on military sites in Iran, risking further regional escalation more than a year into the Gaza war and a month into the Israel-Hezbollah war in Lebanon. The Israeli raid was in retaliation to an Iranian missile attack on October 1, itself retaliation for the killing of Iran-backed militant leaders and a Revolutionary Guards commander. ©Photo by ATTA KENARE / AFP

Iran on Monday rejected reports suggesting that it has reached an interim agreement with the United States, describing such claims as unfounded and premature.

During a weekly press briefing in Tehran, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei dismissed circulating rumors about a provisional deal between Tehran and Washington, saying they were “completely baseless.”

Baghaei said he could not confirm any of the speculation regarding the nature or content of the ongoing discussions with the United States, stressing that negotiations have not progressed to the drafting of a final agreement.

According to the spokesperson, the talks are currently at the stage of “formulating viewpoints,” noting that any potential text would be the result of a joint effort between both sides. He added that Iran’s position on the nuclear file and the lifting of U.S. sanctions remains clear, as does the American position.

Baghaei expressed hope that a positive outcome could be achieved if both parties demonstrate good faith throughout the process.

He also said a new round of negotiations could take place “within the next two or three days,” in line with earlier statements by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

The spokesperson further emphasized that negotiations conducted under pressure or aimed at forcing concessions are unlikely to succeed, stating that such an approach “will not work, at least not with Iran.”

The remarks come amid continued diplomatic engagement between Tehran and Washington, as both sides attempt to manage longstanding disputes over Iran’s nuclear program and U.S. sanctions.

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