On Wednesday, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said the United States must abandon threats, disproportionate demands, and illogical approaches if it wants negotiations to take place. The Iranian foreign minister denied that his country has had contacts with U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff or that it has requested the start of negotiations. The Iranian diplomat also mentioned that he recently spoke with Qatar’s foreign minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. The Islamic Republic prioritizes the active defense of its sovereignty in response to the United States and what it describes as acts of arrogance and violations the United Nations Charter and international law. #FromTheSouth News Bits | Middle East: Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Kameni condemned the criminal actions of United States President Donald Trump against his country.