Tehran: Iran’s Foreign Ministry on Tuesday sharply criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent invitation for dialogue, describing it as contradictory and inconsistent with Washington’s ongoing actions toward Tehran. Iranian officials accused the U.S. of “hostile and criminal behavior” even as Trump suggested he was open to negotiating a deal with Iran during remarks to Israel’s parliament.
“Mr. Trump can either be a President of Peace or a President of War, but he cannot be both at the same time,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on X, underlining Tehran’s deep skepticism of the U.S. approach. He reiterated that Iran has always been open to “respectful and mutually beneficial diplomatic engagement,” provided any dialogue is backed by consistent and trustworthy actions.
The latest tensions follow a series of military strikes in June, when the United States, in coordination with Israel, targeted Iranian nuclear facilities. These strikes came after five rounds of indirect nuclear talks collapsed over disagreements, particularly regarding Iran’s uranium enrichment program. Tehran insists its nuclear initiatives are strictly for civilian purposes, while Western nations have repeatedly expressed concerns over potential weaponization.
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei earlier this year rejected U.S. demands to halt uranium enrichment as “excessive and outrageous,” stating that Tehran’s differences with Washington remain “unsolvable” under current expectations, which he characterized as requiring Iran to submit to American demands.
Analysts say the exchange underscores the persistent mistrust between Tehran and Washington, highlighting the fragile nature of any prospective negotiations. While Iran signals a willingness to engage diplomatically, officials stress that any talks must be grounded in mutual respect and genuine commitment to peace.
As the situation continues to unfold, regional observers remain watchful for further statements from both sides, noting that the volatile mix of rhetoric and past military actions makes the path to diplomacy highly uncertain.