Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the United States asked Iran for talks 20 days after initially demanding its “unconditional surrender.” He made the remarks at a news conference broadcast on Iranian state television on August 11, 2026, amid continuing tensions over war and possible negotiations between the two countries.

According to Araghchi, US President Donald Trump wrote only two words on social media at the start of the war: “unconditional surrender.” Araghchi said this was what the United States sought from Iran, but claimed that the same adversary later had to appeal for negotiations.

The senior Iranian diplomat argued that Washington’s initial hard-line position gave way to an acknowledgment of the need for dialogue. The report does not include a response from the United States to Araghchi’s assertions, nor does it provide details about any talks or a timetable for possible negotiations.