Trump Administration Denies Trying to Start Negotiations With Iran

US officials have at times been very frank about their interest in negotiations with Iran, particularly as it relates to certain regional disagreements. Iran has likewise reported that the US has approached them several times about such talks, but had yet to work anything out.

So it was unsurprising when an Iranian security official reported that the US had been trying to establish a backchannel for talks through Afghanistan, where both nations have substantial interests. The Trump Administration, however, is denying it.

Administration officials say that there is no truth to the report. It’s not clear to what extent they are actually denying it, of course, since President Trump has publicly offered talks several times. Right now, however, the official line is just a vague denial.

Some analysts are suggesting that both sides are using this vagueness to their advantage, with some suggesting Iran is trying to look strong by making it appear they are rejecting US offers for talks, and the administration trying to look particularly anti-Iran right now by suggesting that they really don’t want talks at all.