Iran Rejects Direct Talks With US, Citing No Current Need

Iran has cooled hopes for direct negotiations with the United States, with its foreign minister stating there is no current necessity for such a meeting. The Iranian authorities reviewed a letter from U.S. Vice President JD Vance proposing bilateral discussions but did not provide a favorable response. The minister warned Washington against attempting to sow discord within Iran's leadership, calling it a potential mistake. Mediators, however, continue their consultations.

Iran's demands for any diplomatic step forward include the lifting of economic sanctions, the reinstatement of oil waivers, the release of frozen assets, and a reduction in U.S. military presence in the Middle East. Additionally, Tehran seeks recognition of a new navigation system in the Strait of Hormuz, established with Oman, while maintaining the closure of other maritime routes. The regime also conditions any agreement on an end to hostilities across all regional fronts, including in Lebanon. These demands highlight Iran's desire for political, economic, and security guarantees before advancing diplomatic engagement.

This stance follows extensive talks between Qatari mediators and Iranian officials in Tehran, which lasted over twelve hours on Friday. The mediators then continued their consultations in Doha. Earlier reports had suggested a potential diplomatic breakthrough and the arrival of a U.S. delegation in Qatar for direct negotiations. However, recent Iranian statements indicate no agreement has been reached on the conditions for such a meeting.

In parallel, Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has reportedly ordered military officials to update their target lists of American and Israeli sites in anticipation of potential renewed strikes.