Iran Denies Planned US Meeting, Contradicts Trump on Fresh Talks
Iran has rejected claims by US President Donald Trump that new negotiations between Washington and Tehran were set to begin on Monday, saying no such discussions have been arranged.
Addressing journalists during a weekly briefing, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said there are no plans for either side to send or receive a delegation, dismissing suggestions that diplomatic engagement with the United States is imminent.
Instead, Baghaei said Iran’s current attention remains on negotiations with Oman concerning the Strait of Hormuz.
He noted that both countries are seeking a mutually acceptable arrangement that safeguards their national interests while respecting each other’s sovereignty.
Trump had earlier told reporters aboard Air Force One that talks with Iran were expected to take place on Monday.
The US president also disclosed that he chose not to authorise fresh military strikes against Iran after consultations with Gulf allies, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
According to Trump, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and other regional leaders urged Washington to give diplomacy a chance, arguing that further military action could deepen instability across the region.
The developments come as security concerns persist in the Red Sea.
Two tankers carrying Saudi crude successfully sailed through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait over the weekend despite a maritime blockade declared by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement.
Shipping data cited by Reuters showed the vessels crossed the strategic passage with their tracking systems switched off.
The Houthis, who announced the blockade in July, have claimed responsibility for several attacks on Saudi-linked vessels, adding to tensions in one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes.
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