No talks are taking place between the US and Iran, Iran’s top security official Mohsen Rezaei has said, throwing cold water on hopes of a diplomatic breakthrough, Reuters reported.
Iran did seek a “clear and explicit reply” to the seven conditions set out in a June interim deal with the US, which Iran said was not yet forthcoming, Rezaei told pro-Iranian broadcaster Al-Mayadeen in an interview.
He added that Washington could still respond to Tehran’s demands in the future.
Iran has stated that the US must fulfil its seven demands before the Strait of Hormuz reopens and talks can resume.
Rezaei’s comments followed US President Donald Trump meeting Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani on Monday to seek regional mediation.
Trump dismissed the prospects of a return to big military actions against Iran in the near future but would not buy into Tehran’s current ceasefire offer.
The new statements demonstrate how far the two sides are from reconciliation, even though regional mediators have been trying to resolve the conflict at the negotiating table.
