Trump Claims Iran ‘Reached Out,’ Warns It’s ‘Very Late’ for Talks

 Washington, D.C.-Former President Donald Trump claimed Thursday that Iran has recently “reached out” in an effort to resume diplomatic communication, but warned that the opportunity for renewed talks may have already passed.

Speaking during a campaign event in Florida, Trump stated, “Iran has reached out — they want to talk. But honestly, it might be too late for that now.” He did not elaborate on the nature of the contact or provide specifics about who initiated it or what was discussed.

The comments come amid renewed tensions between the United States and Iran over regional instability and Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. Trump, who is seeking a return to the White House in 2025, criticized the Biden administration’s handling of Iran policy and suggested his own approach had brought the regime to the negotiating table during his term.

“We had them isolated, pressured like never before,” Trump said. “Now, they’re seeing what’s happening and trying to come back to the table. But we’re in a different place now.”

Iranian officials have not publicly responded to Trump’s claims. The country’s foreign ministry has repeatedly stated that it would only resume talks if U.S. sanctions are lifted and mutual respect is guaranteed.

While no formal diplomatic channels have been confirmed, analysts say any outreach could signal Iran’s attempt to reassess its strategy ahead of the U.S. presidential election.

Iran summoned the Swiss envoy in Tehran as a representative of the US in the country to protest US President Donald Trump’s “provocative” remarks, Iranian media including the semi-official Mehr news agency reported on Wednesday.

Trump earlier demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender.”

Iranian officials have not publicly responded to Trump’s claims. The country’s foreign ministry has repeatedly stated that it would only resume talks if U.S. sanctions are lifted and mutual respect is guaranteed.

While no formal diplomatic channels have been confirmed, analysts say any outreach could signal Iran’s attempt to reassess its strategy ahead of the U.S. presidential election.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday warned against any “additional military interventions” in the Middle East, where arch foes Israel and Iran are exchanging fire for a sixth day.

“Any additional military interventions could have enormous consequences, not only for those involved, but for the whole region and for international peace and security at large,” Guterres said in a statement.

Amnesty International on Wednesday urged Israel and Iran to spare civilians as their conflict escalates and alarm grows over the death toll.

“As the number of deaths and injuries continue to rise, Amnesty International is urging both parties to comply with their obligations and ensure that civilians in both countries do not further pay the price of reckless military action,” said the global human rights group´s secretary general Agnes Callamard.

“Further escalation of these hostilities risks unleashing devastating and far-reaching consequences for civilians across the region and beyond,” said Callamard.

She accused the United States and other G7 members of failing to recognise “the catastrophic impact this escalation will have on civilians in both countries”.

“Instead of cheering on one party to the conflict over another, as if civilian suffering is a mere sideshow, states must ensure the protection of civilians,” she added.