“Negotiations Ongoing”: Iran Responds to Trump’s “Clock Is Ticking” Remark

Tensions between Iran and the United States are once again in focus, with diplomacy and rhetoric moving in opposite directions. While Washington has sharpened its tone, Tehran insists that negotiations are still very much alive, albeit indirectly.

Are Iran-US negotiations actually ongoing?

Despite public friction, Iran has confirmed that talks with the US are continuing through mediation by Pakistan.

According to Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei, the engagement is structured and ongoing, not a temporary outreach.

"The negotiations are ongoing and not temporary," Baghaei said during his weekly press conference.

He revealed that both sides have been exchanging proposals and responses through Pakistan, indicating a functioning—if fragile—diplomatic channel.

What is the 14-point plan and why does it matter?

Iran had initially proposed a 14-point framework to resolve key disputes, including nuclear issues and sanctions. While the US publicly dismissed the proposal, the backchannel tells a more nuanced story.

"After we presented the 14-point plan and the American side raised its concerns, we raised our concerns in return, and despite the American side publicly announcing that Iran's plan was rejected, we received a set of corrective points and considerations from the Pakistani mediator," he said.

This suggests that negotiations are less about outright rejection and more about iterative bargaining, with both sides refining positions through intermediaries.

What is Iran’s red line on nuclear rights?

At the core of the standoff is Iran’s nuclear programme, particularly its right to enrich uranium under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Baghaei made it clear that this is non-negotiable.

"What we can say with certainty is that the issue of rights is not something we want to negotiate and compromise about," he said.

"Iran's right to enrich uranium has been recognised under the NPT, and there is no need for others to recognise this right for Iran because this right exists," he added.

This firm stance limits how far any potential agreement can go, especially given US concerns over nuclear proliferation.

How is Iran responding to US pressure?

The rhetoric has intensified after comments from Donald Trump, who warned Tehran that time is running out.

"For Iran, the Clock is Ticking, and they better get moving, FAST, or there won't be anything left of them. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE!" Trump wrote on Sunday in a Truth Social post.

Iran, however, appears unmoved by such statements.

"Just as we are not afraid of the enemy's threats, we are not thrilled by their praise either. We believe in our capabilities and are setting future plans to confront the enemy," Baghaei said.

What role does Pakistan play as mediator?

Pakistan has emerged as a key intermediary, relaying proposals and counter-proposals between Tehran and Washington. This indirect format allows both sides to negotiate without formal face-to-face engagement, often used in high-stakes geopolitical disputes.

"Therefore, the day after sending our points of view to the American side, we received a set of proposals from Pakistan, which were reviewed in the past few days, and as announced yesterday, our points of view have been reflected in return to the American side. The process continues through the Pakistani mediator," Baghaei added.

Why is the Strait of Hormuz being discussed?

Beyond nuclear issues, regional security—especially maritime safety—remains a concern. Iran confirmed ongoing discussions with Oman regarding the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

"The Strait of Hormuz is a very important waterway and shipping security is very important to us," he said, adding that measures adopted by Iran were "to maintain security and are based on international law."

Talks between Iranian and Omani experts in Muscat are part of broader efforts to ensure stability in one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes

The bigger picture

The situation reflects a familiar pattern: quiet diplomacy continuing behind the scenes while public messaging remains confrontational. With nuclear rights non-negotiable for Iran and security concerns paramount for the US, any breakthrough will likely require careful compromise—if at all.

(With inputs from ANI)