CNN claim about US-Iran negotiations a trap for escalating tensions
CNN, citing an Iranian official, reported that recent indirect talks with the U.S. regarding Tehran’s nuclear program and sanctions relief were not “sincere or genuine” on the American side.
According to a report by the English section of “Webangah News Agency” citing Mehr News Agency, CNN quoted an Iranian official stating that the U.S. side lacked “honesty” in recent negotiations between Tehran and Washington over Iran’s nuclear program. The report suggested thes talks may have been designed from the outset as a “trap to escalate tensions.”
CNN claimed,citing this unnamed official,that Iran viewed the weekly pauses in negotiations—which Tehran opposed—as part of a political and media game orchestrated by Washington. iran is now reportedly preparing for scenarios where talks collapse.
The allegations follow remarks by Steve Witkoff, Donald Trump’s special envoy to West Asia, who warned that if the next round of talks in Oman proves unproductive, “they will not continue and will take a different path.”
The fourth round of negotiations between Tehran and Washington is set to take place today in Oman. CNN previously reported that technical teams would not participate in this round.Earlier, Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister—who is scheduled to meet Witkoff today—stated that Tehran has received “contradictory messages” from the U.S., with different individuals expressing differing views.
CNN further cited the unnamed Iranian official alleging that Washington is “fundamentally unprepared for meaningful technical or political negotiations,” providing only vague responses while ignoring key proposals and frequently shifting positions during discussions.
The source claimed Iran has concluded talks are unlikely to yield results on sanctions relief or economic benefits, prompting preparations across political and economic sectors for alternative scenarios over recent weeks. The official stressed uranium enrichment remains Tehran’s explicit red line—a fact well known to America.
Araghchi earlier described ongoing progress but acknowledged challenges: “Talks naturally require deeper consultations as we advance into details.” He reaffirmed Iran’s immutable principles while criticizing mixed signals from U.S counterparts: “Some attribute this inconsistency to their new administration settling in; others see it as negotiation tactics.”
Iran’s Foreign Minister emphasized unwavering focus: “Our path forward depends solely on securing Iranian interests—we neither waver nor fixate on contradictory statements.”
