Trump Criticizes Iran's Leadership as "Duplicitous" for Denying Request for Talks

U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Iran's leadership on the 3rd local time, calling their behavior "duplicitous" for privately requesting negotiations with the U.S. to reach a deal while publicly denying it.

Writing on his social media platform Truth Social that day, Trump said, "They ask for meetings. Some would say they 'beg' for them. Negotiations begin, and additional meetings are scheduled in the near future."

Trump pointed out, "Then, publicly and proudly, they state that they are having no discussions with the [U.S.], nothing is being discussed, and they are only dealing through Oman. The Iranian leadership is unbelievably duplicitous."

Previously, Trump told White House reporters the day before, "There is a deal on the Strait of Hormuz," adding, "And then there will be a deal on the nuclear issue, or you could call it the denuclearization of Iran."

He continued, "What we are doing now is talking to them in the form of negotiations," previewing that talks with Iran would begin on Monday, U.S. time, "on the afternoon of the 3rd."

In response, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated that Iran is not holding negotiations with the U.S. at this stage, but will monitor developments and decide for the next step, effectively denying Trump's remarks.

Baghaei also mentioned that Iran is currently conducting negotiations focusing on "reaching an agreement on safe passage routes for vessels through the Strait of Hormuz" with Oman.

Trump argues that despite the U.S. calling off a massive airstrike last weekend at the request of Iran and Gulf nations and entering into talks, Iran is publicly denying it.

Trump emphasized, "Whether Iran wants to admit it or not, we are actually discussing solutions to the problems they have caused for decades. It's very simple. Iran will never have a nuclear weapon."

Trump further claimed, "They are giving their usual rambling talk, saying they will strongly operate the Strait of Hormuz. That strait is already completely controlled by the U.S. Navy and our 'blockade,' or as some might call it, the 'U.S. Iron Curtain.'"

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.