28.08.2026 12:11
US President Donald Trump, reacting to reports that they are seeking negotiations with Iran, said, “I don’t want to talk, they do.” Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that restarting diplomacy is “not impossible,” and Qatar called on both countries to return to the negotiation process.
US President Trump, in a post on his social media platform Truth Social, reacted to a report by US-based Fox News regarding negotiations between Tehran and Washington, saying, "I don't want to talk, they do."
"I AM NOT SEEKING TALKS WITH IRAN"
In a statement to journalists the same day, Trump said his administration was "not seeking talks" with Iran. Trump argued that the naval blockade imposed on Iranian ports and increasingly severe sanctions on the country's economy have caused great harm to Iran, and claimed that Tehran is "begging to make a deal."
While Trump said the Strait of Hormuz is open, it is noted that ships in the region are hesitant to pass through the waterway, which is critical for global energy trade.
ARAGHCHI: DIPLOMACY WITH THE US IS NOT IMPOSSIBLE
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that restarting the diplomatic process with the US is "not impossible," but that it depends on Washington changing its approach toward Iran. Araghchi stated, "Pressure doesn't work. The US must build trust, speak with respect, recognize our rights, and adhere to its commitments."
Abbas Araghchi made a statement on his social media account following his meeting in Tehran with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. Araghchi said they held "constructive talks" with the Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, and regarding the possibility of returning to diplomacy with the US, he said:
"We had constructive talks with His Excellency the Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister.
Getting diplomacy back on track is not impossible. It depends on the US understanding a simple fact: Pressure doesn't work. The US must build trust, speak with respect, recognize our rights, and adhere to its commitments."
CALL FROM QATAR
Meanwhile, Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani visited Tehran today and called on Iran and the US to "restart the diplomatic process."
Qatar has historically been among the countries that have played a mediating role in maintaining diplomatic contacts and conveying messages during tensions between Iran and the US.