Tehran, Apr 6 (EFE).- Iran said Monday it will not negotiate with the United States under ultimatums from US President Donald Trump, amid speculation about potential talks to secure a 45-day ceasefire in the ongoing war.
“Negotiation is absolutely incompatible with ultimatums, crimes, or threats to commit war crimes,” Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said during a press conference.
Asked about alleged ceasefire negotiations, Baghaei said a truce would amount to “a pause to regroup and rearm with the aim of continuing the crime.”
“Our demand is the end of the imposed war, along with guarantees that this nefarious cycle (of ceasefire and war) will not repeat itself,” he added.
Trump again threatened Iran on Sunday, warning of unleashing “hell” when the ultimatum he set for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz expires at 8:00 p.m. Washington time on Tuesday.
He has warned that failure to comply could trigger strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure and bridges.
At the same time, Trump said in an interview with Fox News that he believes an agreement with Tehran could still be reached before the deadline.
According to US outlet Axios, the United States, Iran, and regional mediators are discussing the terms of a possible 45-day ceasefire that could lead to a broader end to hostilities between the United States, Israel, and Iran.
Axios, citing four US, Israeli, and regional sources familiar with the talks, reported that negotiations are being conducted through Pakistani, Egyptian, and Turkish mediators, as well as through text messages between Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi.
The sources said mediators consider the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and a solution for Iran’s highly enriched uranium, either removing it from the country or diluting it, as key conditions for reaching an agreement.
Iran, however, has indicated it seeks to extend control over the strait beyond the conflict and is preparing legislation to impose a toll system on vessels crossing the strategic waterway. EFE
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