Iran Denies Holding Talks with US After Trump Claims ‘Productive’ Discussions
Tehran dismisses Trump’s statements amid ongoing US-Israeli attacks and regional de-escalation efforts
- Iran denies holding direct talks with the US despite Trump’s claims
- US-Israeli attacks on Tehran continue as conflict enters fourth week
- Regional actors are pushing for de-escalation amid escalating tensions
Senior Iranian officials have denied any negotiations with the United States, just hours after US President Donald Trump claimed that “very good and productive conversations” had taken place toward ending the conflict.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf wrote on social media on Monday that “no negotiations have been held with the US,” accusing media reports of manipulating financial and oil markets to distract from the difficulties facing the US and Israel.
Earlier, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei similarly rejected claims of direct talks. He stated, according to Iran’s IRNA news agency, that while messages had been received from some friendly countries about a US request for discussions, no formal negotiations had occurred.
Escalating Conflict in the Middle East
The denials come as the US-Israeli war on Iran enters its fourth week. Israeli forces reported a new wave of attacks on Tehran on Monday, while Iran continues missile and drone strikes across the Middle East and has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a key transit point for about 20% of the world’s oil and gas supplies.
Global energy markets have reacted sharply, with prices surging amid fears of further escalation.
Trump’s Postponement Claims
On Saturday, Trump threatened to “obliterate” Iran’s power plants if Tehran did not reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours.
However, on Monday, Trump posted on Truth Social that he had instructed the US Department of Defense to postpone all strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure for five days, citing the purported discussions with Iran.
He told reporters the talks occurred on Sunday with “a top person” in Iran, without providing further details.
“They want very much to make a deal. We’d like to make a deal, too,” Trump said, adding that the five-day pause would determine whether a settlement could be reached or hostilities would continue.
Israel Signals Ongoing Offensive
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he spoke with Trump on Monday, noting that the US president sees “an opportunity to leverage” the conflict toward a potential deal.
He confirmed that Israeli operations in Iran and Lebanon continue alongside these discussions.
Mediation efforts reportedly involve Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey, seeking a framework to reduce tensions.
University of Tehran professor Hassan Ahmadian suggested Trump’s comments may be a strategic move to back down from his 48-hour ultimatum while avoiding severe retaliation from Iran.
“It seems these mediation efforts are his way of climbing down from the deadline he issued and the Iranian threat of retaliation,” Ahmadian said.
