Iran has accused Donald Trump of misleading the public after the US President suggested Tehran is ready to negotiate, as tensions rise over possible American military action in the Middle East.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran has made no request for talks, and warned that military threats will not lead to diplomacy.
The remarks come amid reports that Trump recently considered ordering US strikes against Iranian-linked regime sites, but later delayed the move.
Instead, the United States reportedly repositioned military forces closer to the region, keeping the option of action open.
The situation matters because any escalation could destabilise the Middle East, affect global oil markets, and increase security risks for Western allies, including the UK.
What triggered Iran’s accusations against Donald Trump?
Iran’s criticism follows comments from Donald Trump, who claimed Iran may be open to negotiations to avoid further escalation. Tehran strongly rejected that narrative.
Speaking to reporters, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said he has not held talks with Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, and he insisted that Iran has not reached out to Washington with any request for negotiations.
Araghchi argued that the US approach mixes threats and diplomacy in a way that cannot succeed.
“Pursuing diplomacy through military threats cannot be effective or constructive. If they want negotiations to take shape, they must set aside threats, excessive demands and irrational issues,” Araghchi said.
Iran’s message was blunt: diplomacy cannot work while the US keeps hinting at strikes.
Why are US military strikes being discussed again?
The renewed tension appears linked to claims that Trump came close to ordering military strikes in response to unrest and violence linked to Iran, including reports of thousands of protesters being killed during internal crackdowns.
Although Trump reportedly delayed any immediate attack, US officials have signalled that military action remains an option.
At the same time, reports suggest the protests have now largely been brought under control, reducing pressure for urgent intervention.
Still, the repositioning of American forces suggests the US wants to keep Iran under pressure.
What did Donald Trump say about negotiations with Iran?
Donald Trump suggested that Iran could be open to a deal if it fears escalation. He told reporters he hopes diplomacy can still succeed, but left the door open to tougher action.
“Hopefully, we’ll make a deal. If we do make a deal, that’s good. If we don’t make a deal, we’ll see what happens,” Trump said.
Trump also pointed to the size of US naval deployments in the region, claiming the American presence near Iran is significant.
When asked whether he planned a military operation similar to the US action involving Venezuela’s leadership, Trump refused to confirm any plans.
“I don’t want to talk about anything having to do with what I’m doing militarily,” he said.
This combination of diplomacy and military warning has fuelled Iran’s accusation that Trump is not being honest about Tehran’s intentions.
Is Iran actually open to talks or completely rejecting diplomacy?
Iran’s official position appears to be that diplomacy is not off the table forever, but it will not happen under threat.
Araghchi said Iran views “military diplomacy” as a contradiction and believes negotiations must happen through proper political channels, not pressure.
Iran’s messaging suggests it wants to control the narrative: Tehran does not want to look weak or desperate, especially in front of its own public and regional allies.
This matters because Iran’s leaders often use strong public statements to reinforce authority at home, particularly during periods of internal instability.
How are Iran’s military leaders responding to US pressure?
Iran’s top military and political officials have echoed Araghchi’s warnings and tried to downplay US military movements.
Iran’s army deputy coordinator, Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari, reportedly warned that US “adventurism” would bring heavy consequences.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Vahidi, deputy commander-in-chief of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), claimed Iran does not fear American rhetoric. “We are not afraid of words,” he reportedly said.
Another senior figure, Abbas Kaabi, warned that any attack on Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei would lead to severe retaliation.
He reportedly claimed such an attack would be viewed as an assault on Islam itself and would bring “unimaginable consequences” for the United States and Trump personally.
These comments highlight how quickly the situation could spiral into wider conflict if either side miscalculates.
Could this lead to a wider Middle East conflict?
Yes, and the risk is not theoretical. If the US launches strikes, Iran could respond through direct military action or through allied groups in the region.
That could pull in neighbouring countries and threaten shipping routes in the Persian Gulf.
For the UK, this matters because:
- Britain has military interests and allies in the region
- Global oil prices could rise quickly
- UK national security could face increased threat levels
Even without direct British involvement, instability in the Middle East often hits UK households through higher fuel costs and rising inflation pressures.
How could this affect UK energy prices and the cost of living?
Any disruption in the Middle East can cause sharp movement in global energy markets, especially if shipping routes or oil infrastructure come under threat.
If tensions rise further, the UK could see:
- Higher petrol and diesel prices
- increased heating and energy bills
- Inflation pressure on transport and food imports
The UK public has already faced repeated cost-of-living shocks in recent years, so even small energy market disruptions can feel immediate at the tills and at the pump.
During past periods of tension in the Gulf, UK fuel prices have jumped within days as traders react to risk rather than actual supply cuts. Even rumours of military escalation can cause sudden spikes.
Why is this story important right now?
The row between Iran and Donald Trump is not just political theatre. It reflects a wider reality: the US and Iran remain dangerously close to confrontation, and both sides appear to be using public messaging to strengthen their negotiating positions.
Iran is trying to show it will not be bullied into talks. Trump is signalling strength to voters and allies while leaving diplomatic options open.
That combination creates a risky atmosphere where miscommunication could lead to real-world conflict.
