Iran has ruled out negotiations with the United States amid rising military pressure. The decision follows remarks by US President Donald Trump.
He refused to rule out military action over Iran’s deadly crackdown on protests.
The rejection came as a US naval strike group entered Middle Eastern waters. The move quickly raised tensions across the region.
Diplomatic activity by Iranian officials was also intensified.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made the position clear. He said diplomacy cannot work under threats. The comments were delivered during a televised address.
“Conducting diplomacy through military threat cannot be effective or useful,” Araghchi said.
He added, “If they want negotiations to take shape, they must certainly set aside threats, excessive demands and raising illogical issues.”
Araghchi also dismissed claims of back-channel engagement. He said there had been “no contact” with US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.
Moreover, he stressed that “Iran has not sought negotiations.”
US Central Command confirmed a strike group led by the USS Abraham Lincoln had arrived.
However, its exact location was not disclosed.
Possible US actions range from limited military strikes. Others include targeted attacks on Iran’s leadership structure.
Therefore, fears of direct confrontation have grown. The Iran US tensions have now entered a more dangerous phase.
Meanwhile, Iran has turned to regional diplomacy. Tehran has contacted Arab states aligned with Washington. The goal appears to be easing pressure and gaining support.
President Masoud Pezeshkian spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
In addition, Ali Larijani held talks with Qatar’s Prime Minister. Qatar later confirmed its support for calm.
Qatar said it backs “all efforts aimed at reducing escalation.” It added that peaceful solutions were needed.
Egypt has also stepped in quietly.
Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty spoke with both Araghchi and Witkoff. He urged all sides to “ease tensions and work towards de-escalation.”
Meanwhile, rights groups report worsening conditions inside Iran. The Human Rights Activists News Agency released new figures.
It said 6,221 deaths linked to protests have been verified.
The toll reportedly includes protesters, minors, security forces, and bystanders. In addition, 42,324 people have been arrested. Thousands more deaths are still being investigated.
“These developments highlight new dimensions of the continued security crackdown,” the group said.
In a separate move, Iran announced another execution. The man was accused of spying for Israel’s Mossad. Rights groups fear protesters may also face death sentences.
