As the Iran war that began with U.S. and Israeli airstrikes entered its third week, the United States said it is continuing talks with Iran but that Iran is not ready to negotiate.
According to Reuters, U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters aboard his plane on the 15th, local time, as he returned to Washington, D.C., from Florida, where his private residence is located, that while the administration is talking with Iran, "I don't think they are ready (to negotiate for an end to the war)."
Trump did not mention specifics such as at what level the talks between the United States and Iran are being held.
Meanwhile, Iran said it is prepared to fight a prolonged war with the United States. Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in an interview with CBS's "Face the Nation" that "we have never asked for a cease-fire, and we have not even asked for negotiations."
He added, "People are dying simply because U.S. President Donald Trump finds it entertaining. This is a war chosen by President Trump and the United States," and said, "We will continue to exercise our right to self-defense."
The Minister also said, "We are prepared to defend ourselves for as long as it takes," stressing, "We will continue to defend until President Trump realizes this is an 'illegal war that cannot be won.'"
He claimed Iran is guaranteeing safe passage for third-country vessels requesting to transit the Strait of Hormuz. The Minister said, "We are guaranteeing the safety of passage because we have not blocked the strait," adding, "They are simply not coming (to the Strait of Hormuz) because of U.S. aggression."