Iran denies talks with US as Trump halts strikes at the last minute

What Happened

US President Donald Trump claimed he called off military strikes on Iran and that negotiations between Washington and Tehran would begin on Monday afternoon. Iran’s Foreign Ministry denied any direct talks with the United States. Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated that Iran is negotiating with Oman, not the US, over securing passage through the Strait of Hormuz, describing the talks as 'constructive' and aimed at reaching an agreement on a new route. Hassan Qashqavi, spokesperson for Iran’s parliamentary National Security Committee, confirmed that Tehran was close to an agreement with Oman over the strait and that mediators were seeking to revive a Memorandum of Understanding with Washington. The contradictory statements emerged against the backdrop of a US-Israel conflict with Iran since February that has caused thousands of deaths, severe economic damage in the Gulf, and repeated attacks on regional states. Oil prices fell 4.59 percent on Monday following Trump’s comments.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The exchange highlights the fragility of US-Iran tensions after months of active conflict and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The apparent backchannel via Oman could signal a potential de-escalation path, but Iran’s denial of direct talks keeps the diplomatic landscape uncertain. The situation carries immediate economic implications, as reflected in the sharp drop in oil prices, and underscores the role of third-party mediation in managing the broader US-Iran standoff.

Watch For

The outcome of Oman-mediated negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz, particularly whether a new route agreement is formalized. Monitor for any US clarification on the status of talks and whether the Memorandum of Understanding between Washington and Tehran is revived, as indicated by Qashqavi. Saudi and Gulf state reactions to Trump’s outreach will also be key, along with oil price fluctuations as a real-time indicator of market confidence in de-escalation.