Iran blames US for economic woes, dismisses Trump’s comments on regional instability

Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei rejected that there is a deadlock in talks with the US, saying fluctuations are normal in negotiations between parties.

“The fact that both Iran and the US want the talks to continue means the negotiation process is still ongoing,” Baghaei said on Wednesday.

He added that Oman is coordinating with both sides to set the time and place for a fifth round.

Donald Trump’s visit to regional states will directly affect Tehran’s negotiations with Washington, said Abolfazl Zohrevand, a member of Iran’s parliamentary national security committee.

“If Trump manages to damage Iran’s ties with the Persian Gulf, it will benefit him,” Zohrevand added.

“Otherwise, he will be forced to moderate his expectations in dealing with the Islamic Republic’s negotiating team.”

The US must act forcefully to stop Iran’s nuclear ambitions, said US Senator James Lankford, calling for the complete dismantling of Tehran's program.

“Iran should not have a nuclear arsenal, and total dismantlement is needed,” Lankford posted on X. He described Iran as “the largest sponsor of terrorism in the world” and said maximum pressure benefits both the US and global security.

Hossein Shariatmadari, editor of the hardline daily Kayhan and representative of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, criticized continued negotiations with the US as a disregard for the Islamic Republic’s authority.

“Trump has made a mockery of the talks,” Shariatmadari said. “The least we expect from officials is to declare that negotiations will not continue unless Trump apologizes to the Iranian state and its people.”

An outspoken Iranian politician described the latest round of nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington as a success, saying the American side retreated from its earlier position.

“They backed down from their stance,” Ali Motahari said. “What they express at the negotiating table is different from what they say in interviews and the media. If enrichment in Iran is dismantled, they will be able to block our access to nuclear fuel whenever they want.”