Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Monday, October 5, that negotiations with the United States were “meaningless,” accusing Washington of using talks as a means of preparing for further attacks as efforts to end the Middle East conflict remained deadlocked.
Pezeshkian, speaking according to Iran’s state news agency IRNA, said Iran had been attacked three times following negotiations, arguing that the pattern showed the United States was not genuinely interested in dialogue but instead sought to undermine the Islamic Republic.
His comments followed recent indirect talks between Tehran and Washington on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, which failed to produce a breakthrough. The conflict began in late February after the United States and Israel launched surprise attacks on Iran while Washington and Tehran were engaged in negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme.
The two sides agreed to a memorandum of understanding in June that outlined a framework for a permanent settlement. However, tensions escalated after Iranian attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz prompted the resumption of US military operations, leaving diplomatic efforts largely stalled.
Washington has since reduced its military operations and shifted towards economic pressure. The United States has not carried out a strike against Iran since September 1.
Pezeshkian’s remarks came a day after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said further military action and sanctions would not resolve the conflict. Araghchi said there was “no military solution” or solution based on additional sanctions, while warning that Iran would strengthen its defences if attacks resumed.
He said the conflict could only be resolved through negotiations based on justice and fairness.
The United States and Israel have maintained that military action is necessary to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, an objective Tehran has repeatedly denied pursuing.
The conflict has increasingly focused on the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy route whose disruption has affected international energy markets.
Iran has sought to control passage through the strategic waterway since the war began, attacking vessels attempting to transit without its authorisation. The United States has responded with a counterblockade on Iranian ports and strikes against vessels it accuses of violating the restrictions.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency reported that a tanker was struck while attempting to pass through the strait on Sunday, while another vessel turned back on Monday after Iranian forces threatened to attack it.
