Iran Declares No Negotiation Plans, Focuses on Defense

Iran has declared it has no plans to resume negotiations with the United States, stating it no longer considers itself bound by a recent ceasefire agreement as military tensions escalate in the Persian Gulf. The announcement was made by Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, in Tehran.

Baghaei stated that Iran is currently focused on defending itself against ongoing U.S. military actions. He asserted that the United States has repeatedly violated its commitments under a memorandum of understanding signed by the two countries on June 17, which was intended to halt hostilities. "We currently have no plans for negotiations and are focused on defense," Baghaei said, responding to U.S. claims that its military operations would compel Iran back to the negotiating table.

The spokesperson framed the agreement as a set of mutual commitments, arguing that Iran is justified in suspending its obligations because of U.S. actions. "As long as America does not act on its promises, no expectations should be held from Iran either," he said, adding that the memorandum has entered a "crisis phase." He accused Washington of acting in bad faith and...