Trump Dismisses Iran Deal Talks, Tehran Sets Conditions

U.S. President Donald Trump has rejected diplomatic efforts with Tehran, shifting his focus to domestic issues. In a post on X, Trump announced he has tasked Vice President J.D. Vance with a new, internal American mission: "to focus all attention on the widespread corruption and crime occurring in cities and states run by Democrats." Trump sharply criticized "blue states" like California, Illinois, and Minnesota, calling them "corrupt, poorly managed disasters where billions of dollars are stolen every month."

Following these remarks, Trump addressed the crisis with Iran, stating he sees no point in back-channel talks. "We don't need a deal. Those days are long gone," he declared. He also commented on U.S. leverage, pointedly adding, "Their money, hundreds of billions of dollars, is with us, and their strait is now under our control!"

Trump's assertive statement directly contrasts with expectations in Tehran. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Iranian Parliament and head of the negotiation team, told Al Jazeera that Iran is still awaiting an official U.S. response to a framework it presented. He explained that Tehran, via Qatari mediation, submitted a clear document outlining its demands, but Washington has yet to provide a specific, official response. "The ball is now in the Americans' court," Ghalibaf emphasized.

Ghalibaf clarified that Iran has seven central demands, the fulfillment of which is a prerequisite for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and resuming direct negotiations with Washington. These demands include the complete removal of the blockade and oil sanctions, the release of all frozen Iranian funds abroad, an end to the war on all fronts including the "Axis of Resistance" (Lebanon and Yemen), an official declaration of the end of the war with Iran rather than just a temporary ceasefire, and a commitment to non-interference in Iran's internal affairs.

Alongside these demands, a senior Iranian official issued a clear warning to Israel and the U.S.: "Any new American or Israeli attack will be met with a strong response." He concluded by stating that Iran refuses to engage in a war of attrition and will not allow its enemies to establish a prolonged "neither war nor peace" interim situation designed to wear the country down over time.