Tehran, Mar 24:
Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, Iran has категорically denied holding any talks with the United States, contradicting claims by Donald Trump that “productive discussions” were underway to end the ongoing conflict.
Senior Iranian officials, including Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, stated that no negotiations had taken place with Washington. He dismissed Trump’s remarks as “fake news” and accused the US of attempting to manipulate global financial and oil markets.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry also reinforced this position, clarifying that while messages may have been passed through friendly countries, there have been no direct or formal discussions with the US.
Trump Signals Diplomatic Opening
Trump had earlier suggested that both sides were engaged in “very good and productive conversations,” even announcing a pause in planned military strikes, raising hopes of a possible diplomatic breakthrough.
Reports indicate that indirect communication may be taking place through mediators such as Turkey, Egypt, and Pakistan, though the absence of direct engagement highlights the deep mistrust between the two nations.
The conflicting statements underscore the fragile and uncertain nature of the situation. While the US projects optimism about a potential deal, Iran has taken a firm public stance denying any negotiations.
Analysts note that such mixed signals are not uncommon in high-stakes geopolitical conflicts, where backchannel communications may coexist with public denials.
The developments come against the backdrop of the ongoing Iran conflict, which has disrupted global energy markets and heightened tensions around key routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.
With both sides maintaining hardline positions publicly, the path to de-escalation remains unclear, even as diplomatic efforts—formal or informal—continue behind the scenes.