Iran Denies Trump’s Claim of Renewed US-Iran Talks Amid Regional Tensions

Hours after US President Donald Trump announced the resumption of negotiations with Iran, Iranian officials swiftly denied any ongoing talks with the United States. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Bakai stated that no direct discussions are currently taking place and that Pakistan is serving as a mediator, with Qatar also cooperating. Bakai emphasized that Iranian negotiators remain in Iran and that there are no plans to host mediators or travel for talks at this time.

Bakai urged regional countries not to allow the US to use their territories for attacks and warned that continued violations of understandings could destabilize the Strait of Hormuz. He also noted ongoing negotiations with Oman aimed at securing safe passage through the strait, describing the arrangement as temporary. Regarding the conflict between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia, Bakai dismissed Iranian involvement, calling it an internal matter unrelated to Iran’s conflict with the US.

The announcement came amid heightened regional tensions last weekend, with reports of a potential large-scale US strike on Iran’s nuclear and energy infrastructure. Trump boasted on social media about US actions against Iranian vessels and the Iranian currency’s decline. CBS reported that the US and Israel were planning a significant bombing operation against Iran. Israel raised its defense readiness but did not alter civilian instructions.

Following intense diplomatic efforts, including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s intervention expressing concerns over retaliatory attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure, Trump canceled the planned strike. He cited requests from Tehran and other Middle Eastern countries and announced preliminary outlines of a possible deal. Trump said the agreement would include the immediate and full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to Iran’s nuclear threat. He also stated that Israel agreed to refrain from action for now and called on all parties to complete the negotiations.

No details have been released regarding the terms, timeline, or concessions involved in the emerging agreement. Qatar, Turkey, and Pakistan have also been active in promoting de-escalation and restarting talks in recent days.