Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated that ongoing negotiations with the United States cannot succeed if Washington insists on discussing Iran’s nuclear program. Speaking to state media on May 22, 2026, Baghaei emphasized that talks should focus exclusively on ending active hostilities, including conflicts involving Lebanon and the U.S. blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. He described U.S. demands to address uranium enrichment as 'unreasonable' and 'excessive,' blaming them for the collapse of previous talks.

Baghaei confirmed that senior Pakistani officials have arrived in Tehran to mediate, underscoring regional efforts to de-escalate tensions. However, he cautioned that no breakthrough is imminent, describing the current phase as neither clearly advancing nor failing. Iran remains open to discussing nuclear matters only after a broader agreement that addresses its security and economic concerns is secured.

The comments come amid a fragile ceasefire and heightened diplomatic activity. While symbolic gestures like mock missile displays continue, the core disagreements remain unresolved. Iran insists negotiations must prioritize ending warfare on all fronts, while the U.S. appears unwilling to separate nuclear ambitions from immediate peace talks.