Iran stated on Monday that Washington lacks seriousness regarding diplomatic negotiations. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei made the remarks during a weekly news conference in Tehran.
Baqaei accused Washington of repeatedly making false claims. He recalled that US President Donald Trump expressed support for talks shortly before US military attacks against Iran in June 2025, questioning the goodwill of that approach.
The spokesman stated that Tehran had not received any new European proposal beyond a political statement. He criticized Britain, France and Germany for following Washington on the restoration of United Nations sanctions and failing to condemn military strikes against Iran.
Baqaei reiterated that Iran never possessed nuclear weapons or sought to acquire them. He accused Washington of using allegations about the nuclear program to justify military aggression, noting that Iran negotiated in good faith and signed the 2015 nuclear agreement before the US withdrew three years later.
Addressing regional security, Baqaei said Iran holds Qatar responsible for clarifying the fate of three Iranian pilots whose aircraft were hit in the Gulf country. He stated that Tehran assumes Qatar must be held accountable until there is evidence of their deaths or precise documentation, and technical delegations are pursuing the matter.
Baqaei confirmed that a Qatari delegation recently visited Tehran for bilateral cooperation and regional mediation, describing such visits as normal during regional conflicts.
Commenting on Israeli elections and military threats, Baqaei accused Israeli politicians of competing over who could commit more crimes. He stated that it makes no difference to Iran who takes charge of a regime with a history of violence.
The spokesman confirmed that President Masoud Pezeshkian would travel to Russia to attend a summit of gas-exporting countries to strengthen energy cooperation with Moscow.
Baqaei reported progress in discussions with Pakistan over border difficulties, noting that Islamabad had raised security concerns alongside technical issues. Regarding Iraq, he warned that US pressure on Baghdad could harm the Iraqi population and bilateral relations.
Tehran summoned the Italian ambassador to express concern over European authorities handling protests. Baqaei accused Italy, France and Belgium of using excessive force against demonstrators.
On Yemen and Saudi Arabia, Baqaei said regional security is interconnected. He expressed hope that Saudi Arabia would pursue a negotiated solution, stating that military approaches complicate problems.
Tensions between Washington and Tehran have persisted since US and Israeli military attacks on Iran on February 28. Although Trump and Pezeshkian signed a Pakistan-mediated memorandum of understanding on June 18 to end hostilities and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, disagreements over sanctions and naval blockades continue to hinder diplomacy.
