Tehran has declared a "zero trust" policy toward Washington, insisting on a total cessation of hostilities as the only path toward a resolution.

TEHRAN, April 1 — Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denied active negotiations with the U.S., stating Tehran has not responded to a rumored 15-point Washington proposal to end the current conflict.

While acknowledging that messages are exchanged via regional intermediaries and occasionally through direct contact with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, Araghchi maintained there are currently "no grounds" for formal diplomatic talks.

The war, which began February 28 following strikes that killed Iran’s supreme leader, has now entered its second month. Despite mediation efforts by Turkey, Egypt, and Pakistan, tensions remain at a breaking point.

Araghchi dismissed reports of a five-point Iranian counterproposal as media speculation, asserting that Tehran has offered nothing in return to the U.S. plan and maintains "zero" trust in Washington’s intentions.

The minister rejected the idea of a simple ceasefire, demanding instead a "complete end to the war" along with reparations for damages sustained since the U.S. and Israel launched their military campaign.

The conflict continues to throttle global energy markets, as Iran has restricted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz to a minimum, blocking vessels it classifies as "enemy" shipping and disrupting 20% of global oil flows.

Tehran is also bracing for a potential escalation, with officials citing the arrival of the USS Tripoli and its 3,500 Marines as a sign that the United States may be planning a ground assault.

Araghchi issued a stern warning regarding any such invasion, stating that Iranian forces are prepared and that any advancing American troops would suffer "heavy losses." — AFP