Iran’s foreign minister said there was “no negotiation” and the president had “high-level unity.” The United States said “negotiations are still continuing” and plans to hold a meeting in Pakistan this weekend to discuss an armistice plan.

# CCTV News, Xinhua News Agency, Global Times

## U.S. and Iran Locked in War of Words Over Peace Talks

The U.S. claims negotiations are ongoing, with plans to discuss a **15-point ceasefire proposal** in Pakistan this weekend while deploying additional troops to the Middle East to pressure Iran at the negotiating table. Iran’s foreign minister and president have flatly denied any talks, stressing national unity at the highest levels, dismissing the U.S. plan as a “lie,” and issuing stern warnings to retaliate against U.S. military moves. The standoff between the two sides continues.

### Iran’s Foreign Minister: Iran Exchanges Information with U.S. via Mediators, No Negotiations

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told state TV on March 25 (local time) that over the past few days, the U.S. has transmitted proposals to end the war through several friendly countries, which Iran’s leadership is reviewing. However, he emphasized that such “information exchanges” via mediators do not constitute negotiations with the United States.

Araghchi also stated that the U.S. shift from demanding “unconditional surrender” to seeking dialogue is, in essence, an admission of the failure of its Iran policy. He stressed that a ceasefire without guarantees would only lead to a cycle of war. Iran demands that the adversary end the war in accordance with Iran’s terms, ensure no recurrence of hostilities, and compensate the Iranian people for their losses.

Earlier, the White House said that while Iran has not yet accepted the U.S. “15-point peace plan,” relevant communications are proceeding steadily.

*Source: CCTV News*

### Iran’s President: National Unity on War Issues at Highest Level

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian posted on social media on March 25, emphasizing national unity in responding to the current situation.

He stated that on major decisions regarding war and state governance, all core Iranian institutions speak with “one voice” under the guidance of the Supreme Leader. High cohesion and tacit understanding prevail among decision-making bodies, and this “unity” is Iran’s core guarantee for effectively managing the crisis and safeguarding national interests.

*Source: CCTV News*

### White House: U.S.-Iran Talks “Continue and Are Productive”

On March 25 (local time), White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that negotiations between the U.S. and Iran “continue and are productive.”

Leavitt said the two sides have had “productive engagements” over the past three days, prompting U.S. President Donald Trump to order the Department of Defense to pause strikes on Iran’s power and energy infrastructure. She warned that if Iran refuses to accept reality, the U.S. will take stronger action.

When asked about reports that Iran has rejected the U.S. “15 ceasefire conditions,” Leavitt reiterated that U.S.-Iran talks “continue and are productive.” She emphasized that the White House will not disclose negotiation details publicly but confirmed communications are ongoing.

She noted that reports of U.S.-Iran talks in Pakistan and elsewhere are largely “speculative” and “should not be considered confirmed arrangements until formally announced by the White House.”

Leavitt also outlined recent U.S. military actions, stating operations against Iran are progressing with “significant military victories”: in over three weeks, U.S. forces have struck more than 9,000 targets; they are “destroying the Iranian navy,” having sunk over 140 vessels; and systematically weakening Iran’s defense industrial base.

She added that current military operations against Iran “do not require formal congressional authorization,” though the administration is briefing lawmakers for “courtesy and respect.”

On rising oil prices, she called volatility a “short-term phenomenon” and said the administration will continue to promote “U.S. energy dominance” after military operations conclude.

Leavitt also confirmed that U.S. Vice President JD Vance has been involved in all Iran-related discussions from the outset.

Recently, Trump has repeatedly stated he is negotiating with Iran. On March 23, he told reporters the U.S. has held talks with Iran and reached key agreement points. As Araghchi clarified on March 25, these are information exchanges, not negotiations, and the U.S. shift to dialogue signals policy failure.

*Source: CCTV News*

### U.S. Media: White House Plans Pakistan Meeting This Weekend to Discuss Ceasefire Plan

Two senior U.S. officials revealed to media on March 25 that Washington is arranging a meeting in Pakistan this weekend to discuss an “exit strategy” to end U.S. military operations against Iran.

CNN reported, citing the officials, that Vice President Vance will travel to Pakistan, with other senior officials potentially accompanying him. Exact timing, location, and participant lists remain fluid; the meeting could also be held in Turkey.

The report did not mention whether Iran would send representatives. The U.S. is preparing for a prolonged campaign.

### Iran Again Flatly Denies Talks

Iran has repeatedly denied U.S. claims of negotiations. Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani said on March 25 that Iran “no longer trusts U.S. diplomacy.” He noted Iran was attacked twice during negotiations in nine months: “This is a betrayal of diplomacy—not once, but twice.”

Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan Mohammad Reza Moghaddam said on March 25, according to IRNA, that Iran and the U.S. “have not held any direct or indirect negotiations to date.” He thanked Pakistan and other friendly nations for mediation efforts but clarified this does not mean talks have begun. Government Information Committee Chairman Ali Hazrati called the U.S. plan “another lie” and “a list of wishes the enemy cannot achieve through attacks,” advising to “ignore it.”

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced on March 25, via Mehr News Agency, that it has launched the 80th wave of “True Promise-4” operations, launching relentless, sustained missile strikes on Israeli military positions in northern Israel and the Gaza Strip, destroying multiple strategic sites and military centers.

Reuters reported that since the U.S.-Israeli campaign against Iran began, Iran’s negotiating position has hardened, and the IRGC’s growing influence makes major concessions unlikely.

A spokesman for Iran’s Armed Forces General Staff Headquarters said on March 25, via Tasnim News Agency, mocking that the U.S. “is negotiating with itself.” He said America’s boasted “strategic power” has become “strategic failure”: “Do not call your failure an agreement.” “From day one, our primary and final position has been: we will never compromise with people like you, now or in the future,” he said. U.S. investments in the Middle East will vanish, and oil prices will not return to previous levels “until you understand regional stability is guaranteed by us.”

### Negotiating with Bombs

“Trump is trying to buy time,” Britain’s *The Independent* reported March 25, suggesting his latest de-escalation may reflect concern over long-term economic damage. The Soufan Center, a New York-based think tank, wrote: “Trump is actively seeking an exit.” Meanwhile, it noted he may be waiting for reinforcements to deploy, buying time for potential ground operations.

*The New York Times* reported March 24, citing Pentagon officials, that the U.S. has deployed about 2,000 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East to give Trump more military options while pursuing diplomacy. More troops may be sent in coming days. The *Times* reported a day earlier that the U.S. is considering deploying a brigade from the 82nd to support operations, potentially to seize Iran’s Kharg Island oil export hub.

“Trump negotiates with one hand, clenches a fist with the other,” Axios reported. U.S. and Israeli officials say Trump is preparing for both diplomacy and military escalation. Even as talks proceed, the U.S. and Israel plan 2–3 more weeks of strikes. A White House official said Trump ordered Defense Secretary Hegseth on March 24 to maintain military pressure. Hegseth later told reporters at the White House: “We negotiate with bombs.” A Trump advisor added: “Trump extends a hand to negotiate while keeping a fist ready to strike.” Officials described the situation as “fluid”: Trump wants to see if a deal is possible; “if not, we resume bombing.” The U.S. is building up for escalation, including ground troops, while testing diplomatic waters.

In response to U.S. talk of negotiations alongside troop deployments, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf posted on social media March 25 that Iran is closely monitoring all U.S. moves in the Middle East, especially military deployments. “Never test our resolve to defend our territory,” he warned. “Messes made by (U.S.-Israeli) generals cannot be fixed by additional soldiers—they will become victims of Netanyahu’s delusions.” Iranian Navy Commander Shahram Irani also warned that Iran is tracking the USS *Abraham Lincoln* carrier strike group; if it enters Iranian missile range, it will become a target.

*Source: Global Times*

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