Iran foreign ministry spokesman Baghaei said on the 1st that a key difficulty in
negotiations with the United States is frequent, self-contradictory shifts in
U.S. positions. He said talks are conducted in an atmosphere of mutual distrust
and that inconsistent rhetoric and media messaging from the other side only
prolong negotiations. Baghaei blamed Israel—specifically its strikes on
Lebanon—for preventing regional de-escalation and said the United States also
bears responsibility for actions in the region. He warned repeated violations of
the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire risk wider regional and global consequences. On the
nuclear issue, Baghaei said no talks are underway and that the current priority
is ending the war.
