Iran is skeptical about diplomacy with the US and Israel, US intelligence says
Multiple U.S. intelligence agencies have assessed in recent days that the Iranian government is not currently willing to engage in any substantial negotiations to end the U.S.-Israeli war.
Tehran believes it occupies a strong position in the conflict and therefore does not need to accept America’s diplomatic demands. Iranian officials remain willing to keep communication channels open.
They do not trust the United States diplomatically. They also do not believe President Trump is serious about actual talks.
Trump has ordered attacks on Iran twice in the middle of previous negotiations over its nuclear program.
The assessments match recent public statements from Iranian officials. They reject Trump’s claim that the two sides are making progress in discussions mediated by third countries.
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei called Trump’s assertion that Tehran had asked for a ceasefire “false and baseless.”
Trump told reporters the U.S. military campaign would wrap up in two to three weeks. Any Iranian decision to continue fighting would complicate that timeline.
Trump has demanded Iran reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has kept the waterway effectively closed for more than a month by attacking oil tankers.
The strait has become the central pivot of the war. Its closure has forced global fuel rationing plans.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian released a letter to the American people suggesting diplomacy might be possible. He simultaneously vowed Iran would defy hostile powers.
U.S. and Iranian officials confirm the two sides are exchanging messages through intermediaries but are not conducting formal negotiations on ceasefire terms or ending the war.
Senior Iranian officials continue to resist concessions on nuclear enrichment and ballistic missile production demanded by the Trump administration.
Iran views its missiles as essential deterrence. It sees U.S. and Israeli pressure to abandon both programs as an infringement on sovereignty.
Internal confusion grips parts of the Iranian government after weeks of strikes. Officials distrust certain communication channels they believe are monitored by U.S. and Israeli intelligence.