American side talks a lot’: Iran says US remarks ‘confusing, contradictory’

"You know, (the) American side tweets a lot, talks a lot, sometimes confusing sometimes, you know, contradictory. In the same statement, he (President Donald Trump) said other things as well," Deputy Iranian Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh told reporters on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Antalya.

Khatibzadeh added that Iran would not interpret the intent behind the remarks, instead leaving that to the US public.

"So I don't want to judge what he means. (The) American people should decide whether his statements are consistent or in accordance with international law or not," he said.

For months, Iran and the US have been engaged in high-stakes negotiations, and for most of the last several weeks, in armed conflict, with social media messages by top leaders making headlines and weighing large on the talks.

Khatibzadeh’s comments came during day two of the Fifth Antalya Diplomacy Forum, which bring together global officials and diplomats to address regional tensions and international cooperation.

'Iran committed to diplomacy'

Khatibzadeh also said Iran is working to finalize a framework of understanding in ongoing diplomatic efforts, urging caution amid sensitive negotiations.

"Now we are focusing on finalizing the framework of understanding between (the) two sides ... Things are sensitive these days but I can assure you that Iran is very much committed to diplomacy," he said, adding that the other side should "abandon its maximalist position" and respect international law to ensure "results-oriented" diplomacy.

He also addressed tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, saying Iran seeks to maintain stability and safe passage but would also respond to pressure.

"This Strait of Hormuz was open before the aggression for millennia ... We would like to see this strait is open and safe for passage," he said, accusing the US of seeking to undermine regional security.

Khatibzadeh vowed that Tehran would defend itself if tensions escalate.

"We are going to defend (ourselves) heroically, patriotically ... and we are going to defend Iran ... to the last bullet that we do have, the last soldiers that we do have," he said, adding that “alternatives to diplomacy are so unattractive.”

'Maximalist approach’ prevented reaching a deal

On negotiations with the US, Khatibzadeh said no date has been set for a possible next round of talks, noting progress had been made but disagreements remain.

"Until we agree on the framework, we cannot set the date ... There was significant progress made but this maximalist approach by the other side prevented us to reach an agreement," he said.

He stressed that Iran would not accept arrangements outside international law, citing commitments under the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

"Iran would not accept to be an exception from the international law ... We do have responsibilities and we do have rights," he said.

Khatibzadeh added that continued aggression would affect maritime security.

"The Hormuz Strait was open for millennia and this war of aggression closed it. So if they would like to see the Strait of Hormuz open again, they have to stop this aggression," he said.