Iran denies US talks as Trump claims diplomacy ongoing

Iran on Monday flatly denied that any talks with the United States are in the works, directly contradicting President Donald Trump's assertion a day earlier that negotiations would begin imminently. Esmaeil Baghaei, Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson, told reporters at a weekly press briefing that Tehran has no plans to receive an American delegation or send one of its own, and that the country's immediate diplomatic priority lies elsewhere.

Focus on Oman, not Washington

Baghaei said Iran's current focus is on negotiations with Oman over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping lane for global oil supplies. He emphasized that Tehran is seeking a mutually acceptable arrangement that respects both nations' sovereign rights while safeguarding Iran's national interests and security. In comments to Iranian state television, he described the goal as reaching an understanding on a route that avoids both the northern and southern options, instead finding a middle path.

The spokesperson's remarks stand in stark contrast to what Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday. The president claimed that talks with Iran would take place the next day, suggesting that diplomatic channels were opening despite months of escalating tensions. He also revealed that he had decided to hold off on ordering new American strikes against Iran at the urging of Gulf allies, including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.

Trump's shift on military action

Trump explained his decision to pause potential military action by citing direct appeals from regional leaders. He specifically mentioned a phone call with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. According to Trump, he asked the crown prince whether Washington should proceed with strikes or hold back, and the response was emphatic. "They said we would much prefer a deal as opposed to an attack, because you don't know where these attacks lead," Trump recounted.

The president's comments signaled a possible shift from his earlier hawkish posture, which had included threats of force if Iran did not agree to new nuclear and security constraints. However, Iran's immediate denial suggests that any diplomatic opening is either premature or being communicated through unofficial channels that Tehran does not acknowledge.

Conflicting signals raise doubts

The back-and-forth underscores the deep mistrust between Washington and Tehran. While Trump has touted his willingness to negotiate, his administration has also imposed sweeping sanctions and conducted military strikes in the region. Iran, for its part, has consistently maintained that it will not engage in direct talks under what it calls "maximum pressure" tactics.

Baghaei's comments also highlight Iran's preference for regional mediators. Oman has historically served as a conduit for US-Iran communications, including during previous rounds of nuclear negotiations. By placing attention on Oman, Tehran may be signaling that any future dialogue must take place through established, trusted intermediaries rather than as a sudden bilateral meeting.

Regional dynamics at play

The Gulf states' apparent reluctance to see a new US strike reflects broader anxiety about instability. A military escalation could jeopardize shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, endanger Gulf oil exports, and potentially draw the region into a wider conflict. Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia all maintain complex relationships with both Washington and Tehran, and they have a vested interest in de-escalation.

Trump's willingness to listen to these allies may indicate that he is weighing economic and geopolitical considerations as he approaches the final months of his term. However, his claim of imminent talks could also be an attempt to project an image of diplomatic progress while keeping military options on the table.

Uncertain next steps

With Iran denying any scheduled talks, the immediate path forward remains murky. The Omani negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz suggest that Tehran is open to dialogue on specific regional issues but not to broader bilateral engagement with the United States. Whether Washington will accept this indirect approach or continue to press for direct talks is unclear.

Observers will be watching for any official statements from the White House or the Iranian foreign ministry in the coming days. The gap between Trump's optimistic portrayal and Iran's on-the-record denial highlights the fragility of the diplomatic landscape. For now, the only certainty is that the Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint, and both sides are positioning themselves for what comes next.