Trump torches Iran's no-talks claim, claims Tehran 'begging' for secret deal

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump has renewed claims that Iran is seeking a deal to end the ongoing conflict, despite Tehran’s repeated denials that negotiations are underway.

In a series of public remarks, Trump rejected Iran’s position and warned of consequences if progress is not made.

The statements come on Thursday, March 26, amid ongoing diplomatic efforts involving intermediaries. Officials say indirect communication channels remain active even as tensions persist.

Trump rejects Iran's position and issues warning over negotiations

In a post on Truth Social, Trump disputed Iran’s public stance that it is not engaged in talks with the United States, describing Iranian negotiators in critical terms and asserting that Tehran is privately seeking an agreement. 

"The Iranian negotiators are very different and ‘strange’. They are ‘begging’ us to make a deal, which they should be doing since they have been militarily obliterated, with zero chance of a comeback, and yet they publicly state that they are only ‘looking at our proposal’. WRONG!!!" President Trump wrote. 

“They better get serious soon, before it is too late, because once that happens, there is NO TURNING BACK, and it won’t be pretty!” he added.

Trump’s remarks mark a continuation of his assertion that Iran is interested in reaching a deal, even as Iranian officials have denied direct negotiations. Earlier in the week, he said Tehran wants to “make a deal so badly but they’re afraid to say it” publicly.

The statements also follow a shift in tone from earlier positions, with Trump indicating that discussions, direct or indirect, are ongoing.

The White House has maintained that diplomatic channels have not been exhausted, even after Iran did not immediately accept a US-backed framework proposal.

Iranian officials, however, have rejected these claims, suggesting that US statements about negotiations are not reflective of the current situation. Tehran has also expressed skepticism about Washington’s intentions amid continued military activity.

Indirect talks continue as Pakistan confirms mediator role

Amid the conflicting narratives, Pakistan has confirmed that it is acting as an intermediary between Washington and Tehran.

Ishaq Dar, the country’s foreign minister, said that messages are being exchanged between the two sides as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts. 

“US-Iran indirect talks are taking place through messages being relayed by Pakistan,” Dar wrote, adding that the United States had shared a 15-point proposal that was currently under consideration by Iran.

According to officials, the proposal includes provisions related to Iran’s nuclear program, missile capabilities, and regional activities.

Other countries, including Turkey and Egypt, have also been involved in supporting diplomatic initiatives aimed at reducing tensions.

US officials have indicated that efforts are underway to arrange a potential in-person meeting in Pakistan as part of attempts to find a negotiated resolution to the conflict.

However, no formal agreement has been reached, and significant differences remain between the two sides.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has acknowledged that messages have been exchanged through intermediaries but has signaled caution regarding US proposals.