Iran has rejected US President Donald Trump’s claim that fresh negotiations between Washington and Tehran will begin on Monday, insisting no direct talks are scheduled.
Trump announced on Sunday that new discussions would start after he suspended what he described as “massive” military strikes against Iran.
Speaking aboard Air Force One, the US president said Iran had been aware of the planned operation before it was called off.
“We’re talking to them in the form of a negotiation. It begins tomorrow afternoon,” Trump told reporters.
Earlier, he wrote on Truth Social that Iran and several US allies in the Middle East had urged him to delay military action because the framework of a deal had already been agreed.
Iran Dismisses Trump’s Statement
Iran’s Foreign Ministry quickly denied the claim. Foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran was not negotiating with the United States and had no plans to do so.
Instead, he explained that Iran was holding discussions with Oman on measures to ensure safe navigation through the Strait.
Previous indirect talks between the United States and Iran have also been mediated through Oman. Iran’s semi-official Mehr News Agency further rejected Trump’s suggestion that Tehran had requested a pause in military action. Further describing the president’s remarks as “nothing but a new lie.”
Trump Says Diplomacy Remains Possible
Despite Iran’s denial, Trump maintained that diplomacy remained the preferred option. He said the Saudi Crown Prince, alongside leaders from the UAE and Qatar, encouraged him to delay military action.
“We were all set to go,” Trump said. “The reason they asked is they think there’s a deal.”
He also claimed progress had been made on both the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear programme. However, the president declined to reveal where the reported talks would take place or identify any participants.
He also refused to set a deadline for reaching an agreement.
“We’re ready to go anytime we want. I’m not looking to kill people,” he said.
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