Iran rejects US talks as Trump claims one or two targets remain
Tehran's parliamentary leadership says the Americans have nothing new to offer, while Washington officials debate the timing of a potential short offensive.
By Isaac Medina ·
Tensions between Tehran and Washington escalated on Sunday as Iran declared it has no intention of holding peace talks with the United States. The statement came from Ali Nikzad, the deputy speaker of Iran’s parliament, during a session where he addressed the ongoing conflict.
Nikzad asserted that the United States has nothing new to offer in potential negotiations. He argued that Iran must be acknowledged as a major power in the region. "They must accept that they have no choice but to acknowledge the power of Iran," Nikzad said. He added that it is the Americans, not the Iranian nation, who will surrender in this conflict.
The deputy speaker criticized the US for repeated breaches of promises. He noted that Iran granted its enemies ample opportunity for talks previously, but those efforts were met with the illegal bombardment of peaceful nuclear facilities. Nikzad stated that Tehran will not negotiate on the nuclear issue regardless of the pressure applied.
This diplomatic posture follows a shift in Iran’s military strategy. Mohammad Akraminia, the spokesperson for the Iranian army, said earlier on Sunday that the country’s stance has moved from purely defensive to offensive. He told state media that if a new war erupts, the geography of the conflict will not be limited to West Asia. Akraminia warned that any future conflict could be significantly longer than past engagements.
In Washington, President Donald Trump claimed the United States has already disabled much of Iran’s military capability. Speaking on Saturday, Trump said the US knocked out Iran’s nuclear program and still needs to address one or two remaining sites. He estimated that handling those final targets would take only 10 minutes.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio offered a slightly different perspective. He stated that Trump has not yet made a decision regarding fresh strikes on Iran. Rubio indicated that the US remains open to a diplomatic solution to end the hostilities.
Regional actors are preparing for multiple outcomes. Anwar Gargash, the diplomatic adviser to the Emirati president, said the United Arab Emirates hopes for a diplomatic breakthrough. However, he noted that the region is also braced for the worst. Gargash made these remarks during a conference in Manama.
Indirect negotiations are continuing through Qatar. Following a visit to Tehran earlier this week by a Qatari delegation, Iran sent envoys to the Gulf country. These consultations aim to end the war through back-channel communication.
Criticism of the US strategy has emerged within the Senate. Chris Murphy, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations and Appropriations committees, described Trump's plan to restart the war as insane. Murphy warned that the plan would lead to devastating escalation. He spoke at an event in Washington, DC, after media reports indicated the US warned Gulf Arab countries to prepare for a short, intense offensive after the midterm elections on November 3.
The current conflict began on February 28 with joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Iran retaliated by targeting Gulf countries that host US military bases.
