TEHRAN (Web Desk) – Iran on Monday firmly rejected US President Donald Trump’s claim that negotiations between Tehran and Washington were about to begin, insisting that no meetings were planned and no diplomatic contacts with the United States were currently underway despite renewed speculation about possible dialogue.
The statement came after President Trump said the United States would begin negotiations with Iran and suggested that planned military action had been halted to allow diplomacy another opportunity. Iranian officials, however, dismissed those remarks and maintained that no talks had been arranged through any official or unofficial channel.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran had neither agreed to negotiations nor scheduled meetings with American representatives. He added that Iran had no plans to send diplomats abroad or host any US delegation in the coming days.
Baghaei stressed that all Iranian negotiators were currently inside the country, except Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who is on a religious visit to Iraq. According to Iranian officials, the only active diplomatic discussions involve Oman regarding issues related to maritime management in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian authorities described reports of imminent negotiations with Washington as inaccurate and reiterated that Tehran’s current diplomatic focus remains on regional issues rather than direct engagement with the United States.
The conflicting statements highlighted continuing tensions between the two countries, which have remained at odds over regional security, military deployments and maritime activity in the Gulf.
President Trump said over the weekend that he preferred reaching an agreement with Iran rather than pursuing military action, adding that negotiations would begin shortly. However, his administration did not identify where such discussions would take place or who would represent either side.
Iranian officials quickly challenged those remarks, insisting that no diplomatic contacts had been arranged and that Tehran had received no proposal for formal talks.
Analysts say the contradictory statements reflect the continued uncertainty surrounding US-Iran relations, where military pressure and diplomatic messaging have often occurred simultaneously without producing a lasting breakthrough.
Relations between Tehran and Washington have remained strained in recent months, with repeated disputes over Iran’s regional activities, security concerns and maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
The strategic waterway remains one of the world’s most important shipping routes for global energy supplies. Any escalation affecting maritime traffic has the potential to influence international oil markets and regional stability.
Iran maintains that it has the sovereign right to oversee activities within its territorial waters, while the United States has repeatedly emphasised the importance of ensuring uninterrupted navigation through international shipping lanes.
Officials in Tehran said discussions with Oman were focused solely on technical and maritime matters related to the Strait of Hormuz and should not be interpreted as indirect negotiations with Washington.
Political observers believe Oman continues to play an important regional diplomatic role by maintaining communication with multiple parties during periods of heightened tension.
Meanwhile, global markets closely monitored the latest developments. International oil prices eased after President Trump’s comments reduced immediate concerns about possible military action, although analysts cautioned that uncertainty surrounding regional security could continue influencing energy markets.
Shipping companies operating in the Gulf also remain alert following recent security incidents reported near the Strait of Hormuz. Maritime authorities continue advising commercial vessels to maintain heightened vigilance while transiting the region.
Diplomatic experts say the absence of confirmed negotiations suggests that prospects for immediate progress remain limited, despite public statements from both sides.
The international community has repeatedly encouraged dialogue to reduce tensions and avoid actions that could further destabilise the Middle East. Several countries have called for diplomatic engagement to address security concerns and maintain stability in the Gulf.
For now, Tehran maintains that no negotiations with the United States are planned, while Washington continues signalling its preference for diplomacy alongside continued strategic pressure, leaving uncertainty over whether formal talks could eventually materialise in the future.
