“Iran has not requested negotiations with the USA”

Speaking to Iranian state television, Bekayi responded to allegations that the Tehran government had demanded negotiations with the US.

Bekayi rejected allegations that Iran had demanded negotiations with the US, saying no requests had been made on the issue.

Bekayi referred to the violation of the provisions of the Memorandum of Understanding concluded with the US, saying that Iran's policy is still based on the principle of “commitment for commitment” and that Washington's violation of its commitments will be punished with retaliation from Iran.

Bekayi said: “We did not call for negotiations with the United States, but in accordance with our usual responsible approach, we did not reject the request of one of the regional mediators to come to Iran and discuss the current situation.” he said.

Stating that the visit took place today in the city of Mashhad, Bekayi said: “We conveyed our opinion to the Qatari side regarding the mediator.” he said.

Bekayi assessed that the U.S. violation of the Memorandum of Understanding had “become a habit,” saying:

“The events that occurred on Wednesday and Thursday constituted a clear violation of the first and second articles of the Memorandum of Understanding. Your statement regarding the cancellation of the sale of Iranian oil was also a clear violation of another article of the Memorandum of Understanding. The recently announced news of the introduction of new sanctions is also a clear violation of the ninth article of the Memorandum of Understanding.”

US President Donald Trump said in his statement that Iran had requested negotiations with them.