The spokesperson of the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that they will not engage in direct negotiations as requested by US President Donald Trump. Ismail Bekayi, the spokesperson of the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, answered questions from reporters in Tehran regarding the country’s foreign policy agenda and regional developments during a press conference. Evaluating the possibility of direct or indirect negotiations with the US, Bekayi stated that they will not engage in direct negotiations as requested by US President Donald Trump and that they are waiting for Washington’s decision on the proposed indirect negotiation format. “OMAN WILL BE THE MAIN CANDIDATE FOR THIS TASK” When asked about the possibility of negotiations with the US, the spokesperson of the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, “Iran’s response letter has been delivered to the US. We are awaiting their decision on this matter. The track record of other parties in advancing indirect negotiations is clear. If such a process takes shape, Oman will be the main candidate for this task,” Bekayi said. Bekayi dismissed reports that indirect negotiations have commenced with the US. When questioned about a possible attack by the US, Bekayi emphasized that they would respond forcefully to any attack. Trump announced on March 7th in an interview with Fox Business Network that he had sent a letter to Iranian leader Khamenei. Trump said, “I wrote to them, ‘I hope you negotiate because if we have to go in militarily, it will be a terrible thing.'” MEETING AT THE DEPUTY MINISTER LEVEL WITH EUROPE Bekayi mentioned that technical nuclear discussions are ongoing with the European parties Germany, England, and France regarding the nuclear deal, and soon these discussions will be held at the deputy minister level. He also stated that technical discussions are ongoing with the other parties of the agreement, Russia and China. “WE ARE FACING AN UNPRECEDENTED CATASTROPHE IN GAZA” Bekayi also evaluated Israel’s ongoing attacks on Gaza, stating, “We are facing an unprecedented catastrophe in terms of violating all norms and rules of international law that the international system has relied on for decades. The crimes committed simultaneously in Gaza and the West Bank leave no doubt that the Zionist regime’s policy, supported by the US, unfortunately aims to eliminate Palestine as a nation from the region and expel them from their homeland.” DENIAL OF “NUCLEAR WEAPONS” ALLEGATION Bekayi once again rejected claims that his country is producing nuclear weapons, saying, “All these accusations are aimed at pressuring Iran. Despite all pressures and allegations, we have continued our nuclear program because we trust in its peaceful nature.” When asked about an ultra-conservative newspaper in Iran threatening a “assassination of US President Donald Trump for revenge for Qasem Soleimani,” Bekayi said, “The reactions were so extraordinary that it’s not worth responding to. We have expressed our position repeatedly. The killing of Iranian heroes is an unforgivable issue and will always be in the minds of the Iranian people, but Iran has always stated that it will seek justice through legal channels, and the process is ongoing.”