Iran denies direct talks with the United States as Trump renews pressure
Tehran said it is speaking with Oman, not Washington, after Donald Trump said negotiations would resume and then sharply criticised Iran's leaders.
Iran said on Monday that it was not holding direct talks with the United States, countering Donald Trump’s claim that negotiations were set to restart. The dispute comes as tensions remain high over Iran’s nuclear programme and regional security.
A foreign ministry spokesman said Tehran’s contacts were with Oman, which has often acted as an intermediary between the two sides. The comments followed Trump’s assertion that discussions with Iran would resume soon.
Trump responded with a harsh attack on Iran’s leadership after the denial, accusing it of being deceptive and demanding that Tehran give in to US pressure. His remarks added to the public back-and-forth over whether any diplomatic channel is open.
The exchange comes against a backdrop of heightened strain in the Gulf, including concern over shipping routes near the Strait of Hormuz. Oman has long played a mediating role in contacts between Iran and Western governments.
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