Washington: No negotiations with Iran at present... all options are on the table

The United States has reiterated that there are no negotiations currently underway with Iran, affirming that the administration of President Donald Trump will continue to exert intense economic pressure on Tehran until it sees a willingness from Iran to engage in “serious and effective” negotiations.

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told Fox News yesterday that “there are no negotiations currently underway,” adding that this situation will persist until President Trump sees that Iran is ready to sit at the negotiating table in good faith. She stated that Washington has not yet seen what it considers sufficient Iranian readiness for such talks, noting that the final decision on any negotiations rests with President Trump, while emphasizing that the U.S. president retains “all options on the table.”

Leavitt pointed out that the Trump administration is currently focusing on the “economic strangulation” campaign announced by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent last Monday, which aims to tighten sanctions on Iran. She explained that Washington continues to use “all available economic tools” against Tehran. Leavitt affirmed that President Trump’s primary objective is to ensure Iran does not acquire a nuclear weapon, noting that the U.S. has shifted from military pressure to intensifying economic pressure to achieve this goal.

She linked the current economic measures to previous U.S. military operations against Iran, stating that “Operation Epic Fury” significantly weakened Iran’s military capabilities, according to the U.S. narrative. The White House spokesperson also stated that the naval blockade imposed on Iran remains in effect, describing its results as “highly successful.” In this context, Leavitt asserted that the United States effectively controls the Strait of Hormuz and that the waterway remains open thanks to U.S. forces.

For his part, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that “the Iranian people are struggling to meet their basic needs, while the Iranian regime continues to squander huge sums abroad.” Bessent added in a post on his official X account yesterday that the Iranian regime “should not be pumping billions of dollars to its terrorist proxies, but rather spending this money on its own people.”

This comes as diplomatic efforts by Pakistan, Qatar, and Oman continue to bridge differences and ease tensions between Tehran and Washington. The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani discussed the proposed interim framework during his visit to Tehran yesterday with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The framework includes establishing a temporary joint navigation corridor through the Strait of Hormuz and implementing a joint project to clear the strait of mines.

The ministry stated in a press release that the two sides also discussed the latest developments in the region and diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation and creating suitable conditions for dialogue. It noted that the talks focused on ways to enhance regional security and stability.

During the meeting, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani emphasized the importance of respecting the sovereignty of neighboring countries and freedom of navigation, stressing the need to continue diplomatic efforts to address differences and reduce tensions through dialogue. For his part, the Iranian Foreign Minister expressed his country’s appreciation for Qatar, praising its continuous diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation and supporting the dialogue process.

Earlier, Omani Foreign Minister Badr Al Busaidi also visited the Iranian capital to discuss the Strait of Hormuz file.