Tehran: No US Talks Until War Ends – Iran, 2026

Key Points

• Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei holds the United States fully responsible for obstructing diplomatic efforts between Tehran and Washington.
• Baghaei describes Washington’s “sabotage and continuous violations” as the primary factor preventing negotiations.
• During a weekly press conference on Monday, May 4, 2026, Baghaei stated that no talks will occur with Washington before the war is completely ended.
• He highlighted Washington’s “anti-diplomatic” approach, evident since its unilateral withdrawal from the nuclear agreement in 2018.
• Baghaei pointed to direct military attacks by the US over the past two years, which coincided with previous rounds of negotiations.

Tehran, Iran (Evening Washington News) May 4, 2026.Baghaei made these remarks during his weekly press conference, asserting that Tehran will not engage in talks with Washington until the ongoing war is completely ended. He described Washington’s “sabotage and continuous violations” as the main factor hindering all negotiations between the two countries. This position underscores Iran’s firm stance amid heightened tensions.

Why Has Iran Refused Talks with the US Before the War Ends?

As reported by journalists covering the event, Baghaei explained that Washington’s “anti-diplomatic” approach has been evident since its unilateral withdrawal from the nuclear agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), in 2018. He stated that this action set the stage for ongoing obstructions.

Baghaei further noted direct military attacks launched by the US during the past two years, which coincided with rounds of negotiations.

In his address, Baghaei emphasised that these attacks demonstrated a pattern of interference.

“Washington’s sabotage and continuous violations have clearly obstructed diplomatic efforts,”

Baghaei said, according to transcripts from the press conference. This attribution aligns with reports from multiple outlets monitoring Iranian state media.

The spokesman’s comments came against the backdrop of recent escalations, though specific details on the war’s status were not elaborated in the briefing. Baghaei’s remarks reflect Tehran’s official line, placing full responsibility on the US for the diplomatic impasse.

What Did Esmail Baghaei Say About US Responsibility?

Esmail Baghaei directly held the United States accountable during the conference.

“The United States is fully responsible for obstructing diplomatic efforts,”

he declared. This statement was made in response to questions about potential negotiations post-conflict.

Baghaei linked this responsibility to historical actions, starting with the 2018 JCPOA withdrawal under then-President Trump.

He described it as the initiation of an “anti-diplomatic” policy. Over the subsequent years, US military actions have further complicated matters, occurring precisely when dialogue attempts were underway.

Reports indicate that Baghaei’s weekly briefing is a standard platform for Iran’s foreign policy updates. On this occasion, it served to reiterate Tehran’s preconditions for any future engagement with Washington.

How Has the 2018 Nuclear Deal Withdrawal Impacted Relations?

The unilateral US withdrawal from the JCPOA in 2018 marked a turning point, according to Baghaei.

This move reimposed sanctions and heightened tensions, derailing multilateral efforts to curb Iran’s nuclear programme. Baghaei asserted that it exemplified Washington’s approach, leading to stalled talks.

Since then, relations have remained fraught. The spokesman pointed out that US policies have consistently undermined trust. This historical context frames Iran’s current refusal to negotiate amid active conflict.

Iranian officials have repeatedly cited the withdrawal as a breach of international commitments. Baghaei’s reference serves to remind audiences of the long-standing grievances.

What Role Have US Military Attacks Played in Stalled Talks?

Baghaei specifically referenced direct military attacks by the US over the past two years. These incidents coincided with negotiation rounds, sabotaging progress.

“The attacks launched by the US during the past two years have demonstrated their anti-diplomatic stance,”

he said.

Details on the attacks were not specified in the conference, but they align with reports of US strikes linked to regional security concerns. Such actions have reinforced Iran’s view of Washington as an unreliable partner.

The timing of these military operations, overlapping with diplomatic windows, has been a key Iranian complaint. Baghaei used the platform to highlight this pattern.

When Did Baghaei Make These Statements?

The statements were delivered during Baghaei’s weekly press conference on Monday, May 4, 2026. This regular event allows Iran’s Foreign Ministry to address current affairs. Reporters present captured the full scope of his position on US-Iran relations.

The date places the remarks in the context of ongoing hostilities. Baghaei’s briefing followed standard protocol, with questions focusing on diplomatic prospects.

Who Is Esmail Baghaei and What Is His Role?

Esmail Baghaei serves as the spokesman for Iran’s Foreign Ministry. In this capacity, he communicates official positions to the media. His weekly briefings are a primary channel for Tehran’s foreign policy messaging.

Baghaei’s role involves fielding questions on sensitive topics, including relations with major powers like the US. His statements carry significant weight as they represent the government’s view.

What Preconditions Has Iran Set for Negotiations?

Iran’s precondition is clear: no talks until the war is completely ended. Baghaei framed this as a direct response to US actions. This stance eliminates any immediate diplomatic pathway.

The emphasis on a complete end to hostilities suggests Tehran seeks verifiable de-escalation. Baghaei did not outline further conditions in the briefing.

Background of the Development

The current impasse traces back to the 2018 US withdrawal from the JCPOA, which had been negotiated under the Obama administration with Iran and world powers including the UK, France, Germany, Russia, China, and the EU.

The deal aimed to limit Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. Following the withdrawal, the US adopted a “maximum pressure” campaign involving sanctions and military posturing.

Over the past two years, US military attacks have targeted what Washington describes as threats from Iranian proxies or facilities.

These have occurred amid broader Middle East conflicts, complicating any return to talks. Iran’s response has been to advance its nuclear programme and support allied groups, deepening the divide.

Previous negotiation rounds, such as those in Vienna in 2021-2022, collapsed partly due to mutual distrust. Baghaei’s statements on May 4, 2026, continue this narrative, positioning the ongoing war as the final barrier.

Predictions: How This Affects the International Community

This development reinforces a diplomatic freeze, potentially prolonging the war as both sides entrench positions. The international community, including European allies and UN members, may face increased pressure to mediate, though past efforts have yielded limited results.

Regional actors in the Middle East could see heightened instability, with Iranian support for proxies unaffected by stalled US talks. Global energy markets remain vulnerable to disruptions, given Iran’s oil production role.

For diplomatic observers and policymakers worldwide, the clear precondition delays any JCPOA revival, shifting focus to containment strategies. This stance may encourage multilateral forums like the UN Security Council to seek alternative de-escalation paths.