Trump reveals US is in discussions with Iran, but suggests the country is not yet prepared to negotiate a peace agreement.

US President Donald Trump revealed on Sunday that discussions between the United States and Iran are ongoing, as the conflict enters its third week, but emphasized that Tehran is not yet prepared to negotiate a resolution.

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Trump confirmed the talks to reporters aboard Air Force One, stating "Yes, we're talking to them," although he declined to elaborate on the nature of these discussions, which are aimed at ending a conflict that has spread throughout the Middle East and impacted global markets.

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Trump expressed skepticism about Iran's readiness to negotiate, saying "But I don't think they're ready," while also noting "But they are getting pretty close," in an assessment of Tehran's willingness to engage in diplomatic efforts.

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Iran's foreign minister had previously denied that any talks with the United States were taking place, contradicting Trump's assertion that diplomatic efforts are underway.

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Trump expressed uncertainty about his desire to negotiate a deal to end the war, citing concerns about the identity of his potential negotiating partners, given that "most of their leadership has been killed" in the conflict.

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Iran's supreme leader Ali Khameini and dozens of other Iranian officials were among those killed on the first day of the US-Israeli attacks, which occurred on February 28.

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Despite his reservations, Trump insisted that Iran is eager to negotiate, stating "they want to make a deal badly," in an assessment of Tehran's motivations.

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Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi pushed back against Trump's stance, stating that Iran is not interested in talks with the United States, and emphasizing that "We are stable and strong enough" to defend its people.

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Araghchi told CBS's "Face The Nation" in an interview aired on Sunday that Iran sees no reason to engage in talks with the United States, citing the fact that "we were talking with them when they decided to attack us."

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Araghchi concluded by saying "There is no good experience talking with Americans," reflecting Iran's skepticism about the value of diplomatic engagement with the United States.