U.S. Intelligence: Iran Skeptical About Diplomacy for Now

Tehran believes it holds the upper hand in the war and does not trust the U.S. to negotiate in good faith, officials say.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 9:58pm

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Multiple U.S. intelligence agencies have assessed that the Iranian government is not currently willing to engage in substantial negotiations over ending the U.S.-Israeli war, according to U.S. officials. The assessments say Iran believes it is in a strong position and does not have to accede to America's diplomatic demands, though it is willing to keep channels open.

Why it matters

The U.S. and Iran have been exchanging messages through intermediaries, but are not in direct negotiations over terms of a cease-fire or ending the war. This stalemate complicates efforts to de-escalate the conflict, which has roiled global energy markets and led to calls for diplomacy from China and Pakistan.

The details

The U.S. intelligence assessments align with recent statements from Iranian officials, who reject President Trump's assertion that the two sides are making progress in discussions mediated by other countries. Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman said the government in Tehran had not asked for a cease-fire, despite Trump's claim. The dilemma over the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively closed by attacking oil tankers, has become a pivot point in the war.

  • On Wednesday, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman said Trump's claim that Iran had asked for a cease-fire was 'false and baseless'.
  • On Tuesday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the Trump administration's attacks during previous negotiations demonstrated that the U.S. 'does not believe in diplomacy and is merely seeking to impose its own interests'.

The players

Masoud Pezeshkian

The president of Iran since 2024.

Mojtaba Khamenei

The new supreme leader of Iran, appointed after the initial U.S. and Israeli strikes killed the previous supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Esmail Baghaei

The spokesman for Iran's Foreign Ministry.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States.

Liu Pengyu

The spokesman for the Chinese Embassy in Washington.

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What they’re saying

“Iran's 'New Regime President, much less Radicalized and far more intelligent than his predecessors, has just asked the United States of America for a CEASEFIRE!'”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States

“Mr. Trump's claim that his country had asked for a cease-fire was 'false and baseless'.”

— Esmail Baghaei, Spokesman, Iran's Foreign Ministry

“The Trump administration's attacks during previous negotiations demonstrated that the United States 'does not believe in diplomacy and is merely seeking to impose its own interests'.”

— Masoud Pezeshkian, President of Iran

“China supports all efforts conducive to easing tensions, de-escalating the situation and restoring dialogue. We call on parties to start peace talks as soon as possible. We stand ready to enhance communication and coordination with Pakistan and others to jointly work for a cease-fire and peace and stability in the region.”

— Liu Pengyu, Spokesman, Chinese Embassy in Washington

What’s next

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The takeaway

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