Posted by: John Phoenix
Iran rejects Trump’s claims of negotiating, denies talks, and warns of retaliation as officials push back against the US narrative.
Key Developments
- Iran denies any negotiations with the US, rejecting Trump’s claims of “productive talks.”
- Officials describe US statements as “fake news” aimed at influencing markets and buying time.
- Tehran warns of decisive retaliation if its energy infrastructure is targeted.
‘You’re Fired’
An Iranian military spokesman delivered a direct and unusual message to US President Donald Trump on Sunday closing an operational update with a remark that quickly circulated across international media.
“Hey Trump – you’re fired. You’re familiar with this sentence,” said IRGC spokesman Ebrahim Zolfaghari, before adding: “Thank you for your attention to this matter. The Central Headquarters of Khatam al-Anbiya.”
The statement, delivered in English and broadcast by Iranian state media on Sunday, came as the US-Israeli war on Iran entered its fourth week, with escalating military exchanges and growing political tensions.
While the remark drew attention, it unfolded alongside a broader dispute over US claims that diplomatic engagement with Tehran is underway.
Iranian Denial
On Monday, US President Donald Trump said that Washington had engaged in “very good and productive” talks with Iran over the previous two days, suggesting that a diplomatic track was emerging.
He also announced that he had ordered a five-day postponement of strikes targeting Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure, linking the decision to those alleged discussions.
Iranian officials, however, responded with clear and coordinated denials.
Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf rejected the claim outright:
“No negotiations have been held with the United States. These fake news reports are meant to manipulate financial and oil markets and to escape the quagmire the US and Israel are stuck in.”
He added that the Iranian public expects a “complete and regret-inducing punishment of aggressors,” stressing that officials remain aligned with that position.
IRGC Spokesman Ebrahim Zolfaghari mocks Trump in English: Hey Trump, you are fired! You are familiar with this sentence. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Foreign Ministry Position
The Iranian Foreign Ministry reinforced this position in statements carried by official media.
Speaking to IRNA, spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said that no negotiations or dialogue with the United States have taken place since the start of the war, which he described as an “imposed war.”
He noted that messages had been conveyed through “friendly countries,” indicating that Washington had sought negotiations, but emphasized that Iran’s responses remained consistent with its “principled positions.”
Baghaei also warned that any targeting of Iran’s vital infrastructure would be met with a “decisive, immediate, and effective” response by Iranian armed forces.
In parallel, Iranian state media reported that Trump’s claims are part of attempts “to lower energy prices and gain time to implement his military plans.”
The ministry reiterated that Iran is not the party that initiated the war and that any proposals to reduce tensions should be directed toward Washington.
Diplomatic Messaging
Iran’s position was further reinforced through diplomatic channels, including a phone call on Monday between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
According to a statement by Russia’s Foreign Ministry, the call was initiated by the Iranian side and focused on the rapidly deteriorating situation in the region.
“The situation in the Persian Gulf zone, which has deteriorated dramatically as a result of the aggression of the US and Israel, was discussed,” the statement said.
Lavrov criticized US-Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, including the Bushehr plant, describing them as unacceptable and warning that they pose risks not only to the region but also to Russian personnel.
The statement noted that such attacks carry “catastrophic environmental risks” and could further destabilize the region.
“Mutual concern was expressed over the dangerous spread of the conflict provoked by Washington and Tel Aviv to the Caspian Sea area,” it added.
The Russian side also emphasized the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a political settlement that takes into account the “legitimate interests” of all parties, particularly Iran.
“Russia will be guided by this position in the UN Security Council as well,” the statement said.
For his part, Araghchi thanked the Russian leadership for its diplomatic support, including humanitarian assistance provided to Iran during the conflict.
In earlier remarks, Araghchi warned that any attack on Iran’s energy infrastructure would constitute a “war crime” and would be met with a direct and firm response, holding the United States and Israel responsible for escalating instability.
These developments come as the US-Israeli war on Iran, launched on February 28, continues to intensify.
According to available official figures, the conflict has resulted in more than 1,340 deaths, along with significant damage to infrastructure.
Iran has responded with missile and drone strikes targeting Israel, as well as locations in Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets.
These attacks have caused casualties and damage while also disrupting global markets and aviation routes.
(PC, Al Mayadeen, IRNA, Social Media)