Iran Denies Trump Claim of New Talks as US President Calls Off Strikes
Iran has rejected Donald Trump's assertion that new negotiations between the U.S. and Tehran would commence, even as the American leader called off planned military strikes.
Iran has rejected President Donald Trump’s assertion that new negotiations between the United States and Tehran would commence on Monday, as the U.S. leader announced the cancellation of planned military strikes against Iran. The conflicting statements underscore the volatile dynamics of the ongoing conflict, which has persisted for six months and centered on disputes over the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear program.
Trump, speaking aboard Air Force One on Sunday, claimed that talks with Iran would begin the following day, framing the pause in military action as a bid to secure a “deal” on the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear activities. “We’re talking to them in the form of a negotiation. It begins tomorrow afternoon,” he said, adding that the planned strikes — described as “the biggest attack since World War II” — had been halted at the request of Iran and U.S. allies in the Middle East. However, Iran’s foreign ministry categorically denied any direct negotiations with Washington, stating that current discussions were limited to talks with Oman over maritime routes through the strategic waterway.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, clarified during a press conference that Tehran was “not currently negotiating with the United States” and emphasized that its efforts were focused on “reaching an understanding on a route that will ensure the safe passage of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.” Baghaei reiterated that any agreement with Oman would not automatically restore the strait to its pre-conflict state, as Iran insisted on maintaining control over shipping traffic and charging fees for passage. The strait, through which approximately 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas flows, has been a flashpoint since the conflict began in February, with Iran restricting vessel movement and firing on commercial ships.
The U.S. president’s decision to call off the strikes followed a series of contradictory signals. Earlier in the week, Trump had threatened to launch “massive” attacks on Iran, including strikes on energy infrastructure, which international law experts have warned could constitute war crimes. However, he later claimed that a “framework of a deal” had been reached, with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman and other Gulf allies urging him to pursue diplomacy. Trump also cited a “perimeter” of agreement with Iran, though he did not specify the terms.
Iran’s denial of direct talks with the U.S. comes amid broader regional tensions. The country has accused Ukraine of deliberately attacking an Iranian commercial vessel in the Caspian Sea, a claim Ukraine denies. Meanwhile, Israel has raised concerns over the Trump administration’s Gaza peace plan, which includes disarmament of Hamas, a group backed by Iran. Israeli officials have criticized the plan as insufficient, alleging that Hamas has continued rearming despite a ceasefire agreement announced in October.
The cancellation of the strikes temporarily eased market fears, with global oil prices falling sharply on Monday. Brent crude dropped 4.5% to $83.98 per barrel, while U.S.-traded oil fell 4.6% to $80.74. The decline followed a period of volatility as traders reacted to disruptions in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Vessel-tracking data from Kpler showed a 28% drop in crossings through the strait between 30 July and 2 August, raising concerns about the economic impact of the conflict.
Despite Trump’s assertions of an imminent deal, past negotiations have repeatedly collapsed. A ceasefire agreement reached in June, which aimed to reopen the strait, unraveled last month. Iran’s parliamentary National Security Committee has since called for efforts to revive the memorandum of understanding with the U.S., but progress remains uncertain. Meanwhile, internal divisions within Iran’s leadership have emerged, with some factions advocating for continued military pressure while others seek diplomatic solutions.
The latest developments highlight the fragile state of U.S.-Iran relations, marked by alternating threats and conciliatory gestures. Trump’s history of abrupt policy shifts, cancelling strikes only to resume hostilities, has fueled skepticism about the durability of any new agreement. As the conflict enters its sixth month, the focus remains on the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint whose stability is critical to global energy markets and regional security.
