Iran Claims Trump Never Gave Them an Ultimatum
Tehran summons EU ambassadors after Revolutionary Guards designated terror group; foreign minister says talks framework will be finalized within days.
Iran said Monday it would finalize a framework for negotiations with the U.S. within days, while denying President Trump's claim that Washington had issued an ultimatum.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told a news conference in Tehran that the government is in final stages of defining the conditions and rules that would guide future talks between the two countries.
"We are in the process of formulating a framework that will define how we conduct talks with the American side," Araghchi said. "This framework will be completed and finalized within the coming days."
The announcement comes as Trump has threatened military action against Iran while also proposing negotiations. When asked by reporters about the ultimatum claim, Trump said, "They're the only ones who know."
Iran separately summoned ambassadors from the 27 European Union member states for consultations after the bloc designated the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization.
Araghchi said the proposed framework would cover not only the nuclear agreement but also broader security and regional issues. "Our goal is to protect Iran's interests while reducing tensions that don't serve any side," he said.
Despite Washington's overtures, Iranian officials made clear they won't concede on three main demands recently conveyed to the U.S., though the specific demands weren't detailed.
"We're not expecting immediate solutions, but we need a clear path to prevent unnecessary escalation," Araghchi said, remarks that reinforce assessments Iran plans to delay through prolonged negotiations.
Talks are expected to proceed through indirect diplomatic channels, as in recent rounds of contacts between the countries.
Trump's critics point to his previous pledges to Iranian protesters that "help is on the way," a commitment they say he failed to keep as thousands were killed after believing his assurances.
"No negotiations with Iran will free the millions of Iranians groaning under the yoke of the brutal regime," critics said.