Former Iranian diplomat Abbas Khamenyar denied recent claims by US President Trump that Iran was pushing for direct negotiations. He stated, "I don't think there's been any new diplomatic activity beyond the efforts that have been underway for the past few weeks." He pointed out a narrative circulating in the US—"President Trump claims through tweets and public statements that the Iranians are calling, pleading, and demanding meetings. But nobody believes that, and things aren't going that way." He added that Iran's recent diplomatic activities haven't strayed from the framework established in recent weeks, focusing on ensuring the implementation of existing Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) rather than initiating new negotiations. Tehran continues to insist on international guarantees, arguing that only these can ensure the credible implementation of any agreement. However, he expressed doubt about whether the countries currently acting as mediators could provide such guarantees. He stated, "None of these mediators can provide such guarantees—neither Pakistan, Qatar, nor Oman." He also stated that Trump's public pronouncements are largely aimed at a domestic American audience. He believes that many of Trump's statements and tweets "are designed to stabilize energy markets while garnering the support of American voters, whom Trump ultimately hopes to win over."
