Tensions between Iran and the US have increased over the last few weeks. Both sides have said they want peace. But Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, the director of foreign affairs for the Iranian parliament, warned the unclear messages coming from the US President have not eased tensions. He said to CNN: “In his mind, Trump thinks he has a gun to Iran’s head with sanctions, and he is trying to shut down our economy.
“This is all in his imagination. Now he wants us to call him?
“This is a crazy president!”
Some of Mr Trump’s recent tweets have hinted at “officially ending” Iran through military action.
He also called on the country’s leaders to reopen talks on the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action nuclear deal.
Mr Trump pulled the US out of this deal last year.
Since then, he has imposed harsh sanctions against Tehran, including limits on the country’s ballistic missile programme.
But the president tweeted on Monday that he had not been trying to start discussions with Iran.
He wrote: “Fake News put out a typically false statement, without any knowledge that the US was trying to set up a negotiation with Iran.
“This is a false report. Iran will call us if and when they are ever ready.
“In the meantime, their economy continues to collapse – very sad for the Iranian people!”
Mr Amir-Abdollahian added US National Security Adviser John Bolton was also to blame by pushing for a “harder line” against Iran.
Mr Bolton announced more military resources were being deployed Iran earlier this month, including B-52 nuclear-capable bombers.
Mr Amir-Abdollahian said Mr Bolton was one of the “warmongers” giving Mr Trump advice.
He said: “Within the White House there is a lot of conflicting opinions.
“Also, Trump is not quite balanced and stable in his decision making, so we are dealing with a confused White House.
“Iran receives various signals which show that no one knows who owns the White House.”