US Optimistic on Iran Talks Amid Iranian Denials and Regional Tensions
Jared Kushner, special envoy for US President Donald Trump, expressed optimism on Monday about ongoing talks with Iran, describing them as better than ever despite no concrete agreements yet. During his Middle East visit, Kushner met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and stated that discussions are happening with various parts of the Iranian government. However, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) swiftly denied any such talks, calling them "a lie" and "pure fantasy."
Kushner told Fox News that US representatives are engaging with segments of the Iranian regime, but the main negotiations are conducted through intermediaries like Qatar and Oman, focusing on issues such as shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi clarified that while Qatar and Pakistan are exchanging messages with Tehran, Iran has not decided to resume direct negotiations with the US.
IRGC spokesman Hossein Mohebbi strongly rejected Kushner’s claims, accusing the US of illusions following defeat and despair in conflict. He echoed views from hardliners in Iran who see the US proposal as a tactic to ease global economic pressure and manipulate oil prices. Mohebbi insisted that progress depends solely on the US accepting Iran’s conditions and warned that early US recognition of failure would prevent greater losses.
Security expert Danny Sitrinovitch, formerly head of Iran research at Israeli Military Intelligence and now at the INSS, noted that internal Iranian disagreements do not prevent a broad consensus on negotiation strategy with the US. Meanwhile, Trump told reporters that Iran wants a deal but stressed that Iran must not obtain nuclear weapons, claiming US military actions have delayed their nuclear capabilities. He also supported the idea of declaring the Strait of Hormuz US territory to control the area amid threats of naval mines and emphasized the effectiveness of the US blockade.
Trump highlighted Iran’s severe economic troubles, including 300% inflation and military setbacks, and dismissed concerns about potential strikes on Oman, which is mediating talks with Iran. He assured that the US could handle such threats easily, as it has with Iran and others.
The situation remains tense with conflicting narratives from Washington and Tehran, and the future of negotiations uncertain as regional and international pressures continue to mount.
