President Donald Trump has claimed 'very good' talks with Iran, though Tehran denies any negotiations are taking place. The vague announcement comes as US markets faced another punishing round of trading, with oil prices soaring after Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Trump offered few details, saying only that the talks involved a respected Iranian figure other than the supreme leader, but refused to name him for fear he would be killed.
Trump outlined a potential deal that would see Iran abandon nuclear weapons, while control of the Strait of Hormuz would be shared 'maybe me, me and the Ayatollah … whoever the next Ayatollah is'. He also hinted at 'very serious regime change'. The US negotiating team is led by envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, reportedly the US interlocutor, has denied any talks, accusing Trump of fabricating negotiations to manipulate financial and oil markets. 'No negotiations have been held with the US, and fake news is used to escape the quagmire in which the US and Israel are trapped,' he said.
Despite the denials, there is a renewed push for diplomacy from regional powers including Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey. Iran's foreign ministry acknowledged receiving messages from 'some friendly countries indicating a US request for negotiations aimed at ending the war', but insisted no direct talks are ongoing.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed the talks, while Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu said he discussed with Trump a deal that could 'protect our vital interests'. However, Israel continues to strike in Iran and Lebanon. The Pentagon is moving troops into position for a potential strike or occupation of Iran's coastline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, suggesting Trump may be buying time to avert a full-scale conflict.
