Iran dismisses interim deal speculation with U.S. as 'no basis'

Speculation about a possible interim deal between Iran and the United States has "no basis," Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, said on Monday.

Speaking at a press conference, Baghaei acknowledged ongoing speculation about how negotiations between the two sides might proceed and what issues would be discussed, saying such discussion was not surprising. However, he stressed that Iran does not confirm any speculation and that details of each round of talks are addressed at the negotiating table.

Baghaei said Iran was currently formulating its positions and hoped to hold another round of talks within days. "We are now in the stage of drafting viewpoints and we hope to have another round within the next two or three days."

Baghaei stressed that any negotiations aimed at forcing one side to unilaterally accept the demands of the other side would yield no results, particularly for Iran. Tehran believes its positions on nuclear issues and sanctions relief are reasonable and will continue to advance the process as long as tangible results can be achieved, he said.