WASHINGTON — Donald Trump said Wednesday that Iran is engaged in peace talks with the United States, despite Tehran’s public denials, claiming Iranian negotiators are afraid to acknowledge discussions out of fear for their safety.
“They are negotiating, and they want to make a deal so badly,” Trump told Republican lawmakers, suggesting Iranian officials risk being killed “by their own people” if talks are disclosed. He added they also fear potential retaliation from the United States.
The remarks came after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that Tehran has no intention of negotiating. Iranian state media also reported that the government had responded negatively to a US-proposed peace plan.
Trump reiterated his claim that Iran is being “decimated” in the ongoing conflict, now in its fourth week, even as Tehran continues to exert influence over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil route.
The White House maintained that talks are ongoing. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said negotiations remain “productive,” while warning that Trump is prepared to escalate military action if Iran refuses to concede.
US officials have not disclosed who they are engaging with on the Iranian side following reports of leadership uncertainty in Tehran. Some reports have pointed to Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf as a possible interlocutor.
Meanwhile, Washington is reinforcing its military presence in the Gulf, deploying additional airborne troops and Marines amid speculation over a possible ground offensive. The administration continues to project a four- to six-week timeline for its military campaign.
