Behind-the-scenes diplomatic efforts appear to be underway to end the Iran conflict but in public, there's been a sharp escalation of rhetoric.

The US has urged Iran to accept defeat. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt has warned of dire consequences if it doesn't.

Iran, however, says it's the US that faces defeat. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says no negotiations are underway, despite assertions from President Trump.

Araghchi says those claims prove that the US is losing the fight.

The White House threats against Iran come as the US moves more troops and warships into the Middle East.

That's while insisting that Tehran has been militarily destroyed and is desperate for a deal.

Al Jazeera’s Teresa Bo reports from Washington and Tohid Asadi has the latest from Tehran.

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