‘No possibility’ of talks with US to reduce tensions, Iran’s Zarif says in Japan

Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Thursday there is “no possibility” of negotiations with the US to reduce spiralling tensions, Japan’s Kyodo reported.

“No, there is no possibility for negotiations,” the news agency cited Mohammad Javad Zarif as telling reporters in Tokyo, where he is meeting with the country’s officials.

The comment was in response to a question on whether he would be open to bilateral talks with Washington aimed at easing tensions, Kyodo said. “I don’t know why President Trump is confident, but it’s totally wrong,” public broadcaster NHK quoted Zarif as saying. Zarif also dismissed US President Donald Trump’s assertion in a tweet that Iran would soon seek negotiations, AFP reported.

Zarif earlier accused Washington of an “unacceptable” escalation in tensions, and said Tehran was showing “maximum restraint.”