Iran’s top security official, Ali Larijani, has firmly denied reports circulating in the United States that Tehran attempted to restart nuclear negotiations with Washington after the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in a joint US–Israeli attack. Larijani, who serves as secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, used social media to dismiss the claims and reaffirm Iran’s stance against negotiating with the United States in the current context of armed conflict.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, Larijani wrote: “We will not negotiate with the United States.” His comments came in direct response to a report in The Wall Street Journal claiming he had sought to leverage Omani mediators to explore resuming talks with US officials amid escalating tensions.
Context of the Denial
The denial follows days of intense military confrontation between Iran and a US–Israeli coalition. Strikes against Iran have continued for several days, with both sides trading accusations and attacks. The conflict intensified after the reported death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which triggered widespread retaliation from Tehran across the Middle East.
- Larijani also used his post to criticise US policy under President Donald Trump, accusing the administration of prioritising Israeli interests and recklessly endangering American soldiers and regional stability. He warned that the United States would bear the consequences of its military actions.
- Iranian officials have portrayed the US and Israeli strikes as a severe escalation and a violation of international norms. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also condemned the killing of Khamenei as “a cowardly act of terror” and called for accountability at the United Nations.
Meanwhile, Washington has provided mixed signals regarding diplomacy. Some US officials, including President Trump and senior defence leaders, have suggested that negotiations could resume once Iran’s leadership is weakened, a claim Tehran has vehemently rejected.
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FAQs
Why did The Wall Street Journal report that Larijani pushed to resume talks with the US?
The report suggested that Larijani may have used intermediaries from Oman to open a diplomatic channel with the United States following the killing of Ayatollah Khamenei. Larijani’s denial indicates that, even if intermediaries were involved, Iran did not intend to pursue negotiation as a policy move.
Is Iran currently engaged in talks with the US on any issues?
Prior to the conflict, Iran and the United States were engaged in long‑running indirect nuclear negotiations mediated by Oman and the International Atomic Energy Agency, but these discussions had not produced a conclusive agreement. Diplomatic efforts were ongoing in early 2026, but deteriorating relations and military conflict have halted progress.
Why is Iran rejecting negotiations now?
Iranian officials state that negotiations with the United States are not possible during active conflict and have repeatedly emphasised that Iran will not “negotiate under pressure” or while foreign forces conduct military operations against it. Larijani’s statements reflect that position.
How has the conflict affected regional diplomacy?
The ongoing conflict has overshadowed diplomatic channels and raised fears of broader regional war. Some analysts believe that military pressure was intended to bring Iran back to the negotiating table, but Tehran’s leadership has publicly rejected that framing.
Conclusion
Iran’s Ali Larijani has categorically denied claims that Tehran sought to resume talks with the United States in the wake of Khamenei’s death, underscoring Iran’s refusal to enter negotiations amid ongoing hostilities. While media reports suggested possible diplomatic outreach via mediators in Oman, Tehran’s public rejection highlights the deep mistrust and strategic divergence between the two countries — particularly during a period of active military conflict and heightened rhetoric. As tensions continue, the prospects for direct diplomacy remain remote, with both sides reinforcing their positions in a conflict that has significantly reshaped the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.
