Tehran: Iran's foreign minister stressed Wednesday that no negotiations are taking place between his country and the US on ending the war, despite claims by the White House that talks are "ongoing" and "productive."

According to Anadolu Agency, Abbas Araghchi, Iran's foreign minister, refuted the notion of ongoing talks with the US in comments broadcast by state-run Press TV. He clarified that while the US is sending messages through various mediators, this should not be misconstrued as negotiations. Araghchi criticized the US for its claims of negotiation, interpreting them as an admission of defeat, and questioned why US officials are now interested in talks after previously demanding unconditional surrender from Iran.

Araghchi further alleged that certain regional countries have supported the US, offering services and assistance. He emphasized that this claim is not solely Iran's, but is acknowledged by these countries themselves, though he did not provide specific details. He urged regional states to reevaluate their positions, distance themselves from US actions against Iran, and at the very least, issue verbal condemnations of the ongoing attacks.

The backdrop of these statements includes ongoing military tensions, as the US and Israel have been conducting airstrikes on Iran since February 28, resulting in over 1,340 fatalities, including the death of then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In retaliation, Iran has launched drone and missile strikes against Israel and other US-aligned countries in the region, impacting infrastructure and global markets.