Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, says communication lines with the United States remain open between the two as well as with intermediary Switzerland.
Baghaei was responding, via an English translation, to a question about contact with US President Donald Trump as Tehran faces violent protests.
Trump said on Sunday that Iran called to negotiate its nuclear programme. Baghaei said “contradictory messages” have been sent causing ambiguity and Iran remains committed to diplomacy.
Talks need to be “based on the acceptance of mutual interests and concerns, not a negotiation that is one-sided, unilateral and based on dictation”, he added.
“Iran is a country of dialogue but we will not accept dictates, and Iranians will not allow any form of foreign interference.”
Baghaei described the current situation in the country as “a terrorist war against the Iranian people” and a continuation of what he called US-Israeli aggression.
He said there is strong evidence pointing to the presence of armed foreign elements targeting civilians, noting Iran will pursue the matter through international institutions.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi earlier said Iran is open to negotiating with the US on the basis of “dignity and mutual respect”.