Iran MP says US ‘unworthy’ of direct talks

An Iranian lawmaker defended ongoing indirect talks with the United States but dismissed the prospect of face-to-face engagement, calling Washington unworthy of direct dialogue.

“We won’t close the path of negotiations to protect our interests, but the US is not worthy of direct talks,” Ahmad Rastineh, spokesman for parliament’s cultural committee, told local media on Sunday.

He rejected that Iran was forced into talks as part of a “false narrative.” Despite long-standing vows not to negotiate under sanctions, Iranian officials ultimately engaged in dialogue with the Trump administration during a period of heightened economic and diplomatic pressure.