Iran responds to Donald Trump's chess metaphor regarding the ongoing conflict

On August 10, 2026, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei responded to comments made by Donald Trump regarding the ongoing conflict between Iran and the U.S.-Israeli alliance. Trump, in a recent interview with Axios, characterized the situation as a "game of chess" that would eventually be resolved. In response, Baghaei labeled Iranians as "professional chess players," asserting their capability in both formal and informal negotiations.

The rhetoric between the two sides has intensified following the regional crisis that began with an American-Israeli strike against Iran in late February. During his weekly press conference, Baghaei rejected the notion of direct negotiations with Washington. He stated that communication is limited to the exchange of messages via intermediaries. Additionally, he employed a confrontational tone, suggesting that struggle often requires accepting the harsh realities of conflict, metaphorically referring to the necessity of getting "dirty" when fighting against adversaries.

The current status indicates that while diplomatic contact persists, the Iranian leadership continues to deny the existence of direct formal talks. The parties remain deadlocked in the crisis triggered earlier this year, with Iran maintaining its strategic position while characterizing its diplomatic efforts as professional and calculated.