Tehran: The Iranian Foreign Ministry denied the validity of reports circulating in recent weeks about setting a date or place for direct talks between Tehran and Washington, describing the news as “fake.”

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei said in press statements, reported by Mehr News Agency: “There are efforts to create a ‘misleading media atmosphere’ by repeatedly publishing such news.”

In a related context, the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman strongly criticized the performance of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), stressing that Tehran “strongly protests the way the agency is handling the Iranian nuclear issue.” Baghaei emphasized that Iran remains committed to its commitments despite numerous objections to the IAEA’s conduct. He noted that the agency’s upcoming visit to Iran will not be for inspection purposes, but rather within the framework of discussions on establishing a new mechanism for cooperation.

Regarding indirect channels of communication with the United States, Baghaei explained that there is currently a diplomatic track in place between the two parties to convey messages through intermediaries. He noted that the current intermediaries are the US Interests Section in Tehran via the Swiss Embassy and the Iranian Interests Section in Washington via the Pakistani Embassy. He noted that the presence of intermediaries is normal between countries under such circumstances.

Following the 12-day war Iran fought with Israel and the United States last June, Tehran decided to suspend cooperation with the IAEA and suspend nuclear talks with the US, especially after it participated in the bombing of its nuclear facilities.