Iran's military on March 25 categorically denied U.S. President Donald Trump's claim that Washington and Tehran are negotiating an end to hostilities.
Hatam al-Anbiya, the Central Military Headquarters that oversees Iran's armed forces, said on March 25 local time, "We will never negotiate with people like you — the United States. Not now, not ever," dismissing reports of talks.
The command mocked Washington's internal divisions: "Have your internal conflicts reached the point where you must negotiate with yourselves?" it said, adding sharply, "Do not call defeat a 'deal.'"
This is the first time Iran's military has publicly rejected reports of negotiations since President Trump said he was engaged in talks and delayed strikes on Iranian facilities for five days.
Hatam al-Anbiya also warned that "you will no longer see news of your investments in the Middle East, nor the same energy and oil prices as before — at least until you realize that the region’s stability is guaranteed by our strong hand."
The command declared, "No situation will return to the past until our will prevails," and stressed, "From the first day of this (war) we have maintained the same position, and we will continue to do so."
Amiri Moghaddam, Iran's ambassador to Pakistan — a country viewed as a possible mediator between the U.S. and Iran — told state news agency IRNA on the same day, "Contrary to Trump's claim, I know of no direct or indirect negotiations between the two countries so far."
He added that friendly countries are consulting both sides to end what he described as "predatory aggression," but said those consultations do not amount to negotiations between Iran and the U.S.; rather, they are intended to lay a foundation for future dialogue.
Reuters, citing a senior Iranian source, reported that the Pakistani government delivered a U.S. proposal to Iran, and that no venue for talks has yet been decided.
#Iran #military #Trump #negotiations
For Yonhap News TV tips and inquiries: KakaoTalk/LINE jebo23
Choi Jin-kyung (highjean@yna.co.kr)
