Iran’s foreign minister assures that “the doors of diplomacy remain open,” in response to the Trump administration’s airstrikes—an indication, according to an Iran expert, that Tehran aims to buy time.

Abbas Araghchi conveyed this sentiment to CBS News after President Donald Trump mentioned last Wednesday that the U.S. plans to meet with Iranian representatives this week.

“I doubt the negotiations will resume that quickly,” Araghchi stated. “Before we consider reengagement, we need to be confident that America won’t resume military actions against us during the talks. Considering all these factors, we still require more time.”

Behnam Ben Taleblu, the senior director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies Iran Program, told Fox News Digital on Tuesday that “Tehran’s strongest weapon when it is weak is actually diplomacy. 

“We’re going to talk to them next week, with Iran. We may sign an agreement, I don’t know. To me, I don’t think it’s that necessary. I mean, they had a war. They fought. Now they’re going back to their world. I don’t care if I have an agreement or not. The only thing we would be asking for is what we’re asking for before about, we want no nuclear [program]. But we destroyed the nuclear,” Trump also said.  

“If we got a document, it wouldn’t be bad. We’re going to meet with them. Actually, we’re going to meet with them,” the president continued. 

However, Trump then wrote on Truth Social Monday that he is not talking to Iran. 

New high-resolution photos show significant damage to Iran’s Fordow nuclear site after recent Israeli and U.S. airstrikes, with visible destruction to tunnels and access roads. (Maxar Technologies)

“The administration and namely our special envoy, Steve Witkoff, has been in communication both directly and indirectly with the Iranians. That communication continues. The president himself has not talked to Iran, which he pointed out in his Truth statement,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt added later Monday.