Iran-US Negotiations: Deeply Contradictory Signals as Diplomacy Stalls

As of Day 27 of the conflict, the US and Iran continue to offer contradictory signals on the state of diplomacy. Trump claims the US is 'in negotiations right now' involving Witkoff, Kushner, Rubio, and Vance. Iran's Foreign Minister Araghchi acknowledged message exchanges through mediators but denied it constitutes negotiations. Iran's military spokesperson stated 'No one like us will make a deal with you. Not now. Not ever.' Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey have been pressing for a peace summit in Islamabad. Analysts note the maximum Iran might offer does not meet the US minimum demands — which include full dismantlement of nuclear capabilities and abandonment of proxy networks.