Iran’s Foreign Ministry drew a hard line on May 22, 2026. Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei declared that ongoing negotiations with the United States are strictly about achieving a ceasefire and resolving the current conflict, and that any discussion of Iran’s nuclear program is off the table.

Baghaei called US demands aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions “unreasonable” and “excessive,” blaming those very demands for torpedoing previous rounds of peace talks.

A long road with no exit in sight

These negotiations have been grinding along since April 2025, mediated primarily by Pakistan with support from Oman and Qatar. Multiple rounds of discussions have taken place in locations including Geneva, yet the…