Iran downplays report of US envoy walking out of talks, calls it media distraction

Iran’s foreign ministry rejected that Tehran is deliberately prolonging negotiations with the United States.

“The Islamic Republic has never sought to waste time in talks with America,” spokesman Esmail Baghaei said during a press briefing on Monday.

“We entered the negotiation process seriously and with the intent of reaching a fair understanding,” he added.

A commander in Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said Donald Trump’s respectful language toward Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei reflects a US acknowledgment of Iran’s strength.

“Trump insulted regional countries during his Middle East visit, and he humiliates China and Europe—but he writes polite letters to our leader. This shows they have correctly grasped our power,” said Ramezan Sharif, former IRGC spokesman and head of the War Documentation Center.

Sharif added that while Israel might miscalculate, “America has felt our power up close,” framing the US president’s tone as evidence of Iran’s regional deterrence.

A member of Iran’s parliament said negotiations with the United States have so far produced the most benefit for Tehran, despite widespread skepticism about their purpose.

“Based on principles we’ve set for ourselves, we entered negotiations—and they’ve brought us the most gains to date,” said Salar Velayatmadar, a member of the national security committee.

Velayatmadar dismissed calls to suspend uranium enrichment, saying, “Halting enrichment is a fantasy of our enemies. Their predecessors took that dream to the grave, and so will they.”

“Today marked the fourth day of a strike that, with your dignity and perseverance, has become a historic moment for the transport sector,” the union said. “Drivers in 105 cities across Iran responded to this call for justice, showing that the voice of the driver can no longer be silenced.”

Launched on May 22 in the southern port city of Bandar Abbas, the coordinated protest has since spread widely across the country, with truckers pledging to hold out for a full week or longer if their demands remain unmet.

Drivers are demanding better working conditions, higher freight rates, and relief from high insurance costs and fuel restrictions.

Footage received by Iran International on Sunday showed strikes continuing in cities across the provinces of South Khorasan, Ardabil, Bushehr, Sistan and Baluchestan, Gilan, Fars, Isfahan, Qazvin, West Azarbaijan, Yazd, and Razavi Khorasan.

Videos show parked freight trucks, drivers refusing cargo, and protest actions such as horn-blaring. The strike has disrupted traffic on key highways and industrial zones.

Former MP Ali Motahari called for a unified national voice on Iran’s nuclear program, warning against projecting discord abroad.

“The world must hear a single voice from our country,” he said, urging resilience whether or not an agreement with the US is reached.

Motahari defended domestic uranium enrichment, saying no deal is possible without it.

“The US only cares about Israel’s security,” he said, adding this stance hinders not just Iran’s progress, but that of the entire region.