‘Talks with US meaningless’ – Iran President

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has dismissed talks with the United States as "meaningless", accusing Washington of employing diplomatic negotiations as a prelude to further aggression against Iran. This assessment comes as ongoing Middle East conflict negotiations appear to have hit a stalemate, according to Iran’s state news agency, IRNA.

Pezeshkian's comments were made on Monday, as the situation remains unresolved following a series of attacks from both sides. He stated, "So far, they have attacked us three times after talks, and this shows that they are not seeking dialogue; rather, their goal is to overthrow the Islamic Republic of Iran." Pezeshkian further alleged, "With an enemy that resorts every day to assassination, sanctions, pressure and threats, and that breaks its commitments, negotiations are meaningless."

The conflict escalated in late February when the United States and Israel carried out surprise attacks on Iran during ongoing talks about Iran's nuclear program. Following these strikes, the two nations reached a memorandum of understanding in June to outline a framework for a permanent settlement. However, subsequent diplomatic efforts have stalled, largely due to Iranian attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, which triggered renewed US military operations.

Indirect discussions held during the United Nations General Assembly also did not produce a breakthrough, leaving diplomatic efforts deadlocked. The United States has since focused on economic pressure while decreasing military operations, with no strikes against Iran since September 1. The Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, echoed Pezeshkian's sentiments on Sunday, asserting that there is "no military solution, nor any solution based on new sanctions."

He emphasized that negotiations based on justice and fairness are the only path to ending the conflict. The United States and Israel maintain that military action is necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, while Iran has consistently denied pursuing such a program. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global shipping and energy markets, has become the focal point of the dispute.

Iran has attempted to restrict maritime traffic through the strait, targeting vessels without its authorization. In response, the United States has imposed a counterblockade on Iranian ports and attacked vessels it claims are violating the restrictions. Recent incidents include the sinking of a tanker off the coast of Iran and another vessel being forced to turn back after receiving threats from Iranian forces.