Iranian Media Clarifies Status of Nuclear Talks with US Amid Diplomatic Developments
TEHRAN: Iranian media on Monday walked back earlier reports suggesting that nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States were set to resume immediately, highlighting that discussions are still in the planning stages.
The semi-official Tasnim News Agency had initially reported that President Masoud Pezeshkian had issued orders to restart talks with Washington. However, after “further follow-ups,” the agency clarified that the specifics and schedule of any negotiations have “not yet been finalized.” It added that subsequent stages would be determined once the overall framework is established.
Fars News Agency also removed its earlier report regarding the resumption of talks from its website and social media platforms.
Earlier reports had suggested that the negotiations could restart soon at the level of Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US envoy Steve Witkoff. The potential revival comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with the US military fleet reportedly moving toward the Middle East, as confirmed by President Donald Trump.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei told reporters in Tehran that messages are being exchanged between Iran and the US but denied that any “ultimatum or deadline” has been set in the negotiations.
Ali Larijani, Iran’s top security official, said in a social media post on Saturday that a “structured framework” for talks is taking shape and moving forward.
The diplomatic developments follow the suspension of indirect nuclear talks in June 2025, after a 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran, which led Tehran to hold Washington responsible for Israel’s actions. Several regional actors, including Türkiye, have been reported to actively mediate to reduce tensions between the two nations.
Analysts say the clarification from Iranian media underscores the delicate nature of the discussions and the careful diplomacy required amid regional volatility and unresolved issues.