WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said Wednesday that Iran is engaged in peace talks, suggesting Tehran’s public denials may stem from fears among its negotiators of repercussions from within their own side.
“They are negotiating, by the way, and they want to make a deal so badly. But they’re afraid to say it, because they figure they’ll be killed by their own people,” Trump told a dinner for Republican members of Congress.
“They’re also afraid they’ll be killed by us.”
The US leader’s remarks followed Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stating, “we do not intend to negotiate.”
Trump reiterated that Iran is being “decimated” in the conflict, now entering its fourth week, despite Tehran maintaining control over the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
Turning to domestic politics, he accused Democrats of trying to “deflect from all of the tremendous success” of the US military operation.
In a jab at calls for congressional approval, Trump added, “They don’t like the word ‘war,’ because you’re supposed to get approval, so I’ll use the word military operation.”
The White House said earlier that Trump was ready to “unleash hell” if Iran did not admit defeat, while also insisting that Tehran is still taking part in talks.
“If Iran fails to accept the reality of the current moment, if they fail to understand that they have been defeated militarily and will continue to be, President Trump will ensure they are hit harder than they have ever been hit before,” Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters.
“President Trump does not bluff and he is prepared to unleash hell. Iran should not miscalculate again.”
Asked if negotiations with Iran had stalled, Leavitt replied: “Talks continue. They are productive.”
In an interview with Iranian state TV late Wednesday, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also said that no talks with the United States have taken place.
“No negotiations have happened with the enemy until now, and we do not plan on any negotiations,” he said.
