• Source:JND

US President Donald Trump, in contrast to Iranian officials, claimed Tehran is willing to make a deal "so badly," and added that the regime is afraid of being killed by its own people. The statement from the President came after Iran on Wednesday dismissed an American plan to pause the war in the Middle East, issuing its own counterproposal instead, as it launched more attacks on Israel and Gulf Arab countries.

Speaking at a fundraiser for Republicans in Washington, DC, Trump said Iran is still interested in cutting a deal. "They are negotiating, by the way, and they want to make a deal so badly, but they're afraid to say it because they figure they'll be killed by their own people," Trump said of Iran's leaders. The president added: "They're also afraid they'll be killed by us," before quipping that no one wanted to lead Iran for fear of being assassinated by the United States.

Iran rejects Trump claims

In an interview with Iranian state TV late Wednesday, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also said that no talks with the United States have taken place. "No negotiations have happened with the enemy until now, and we do not plan on any negotiations," he said.

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The Islamic Republic dismissed an American plan to pause the war in the Middle East and launched more attacks on Israel and Gulf Arab countries, including an assault that sparked a huge fire at Kuwait International Airport.

Trump's 15-pointers 

Iran's defiance came as Israel launched airstrikes on Tehran and as the United States deployed paratroopers and more Marines to the region. Earlier, two officials from Pakistan, who transmitted the US plan to Iran, described the 15-point proposal broadly, saying it addressed sanctions relief, a rollback of Iran's nuclear programme, limits on missiles and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world's oil is shipped.

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An Egyptian official involved in the mediation efforts said the proposal also includes restrictions on Iran's support for armed groups. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss details not yet released.

White House reaction

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt insisted the US and Iran are in ongoing talks even as Iranian officials deny it. "Talks continue. They are productive, as the president said on Monday, and they continue to be," Leavitt said at a White House briefing on Wednesday.

(With inputs from agencies)


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