Conflicting claims over US–Iran talks
Iran war talks are in doubt after US President Donald Trump claimed progress in discussions with Tehran, while Iranian officials denied any negotiations had taken place.
Trump said the United States had reached “major points of agreement” with Iran following talks over the weekend, describing the exchanges as “productive”.
However, Iran’s foreign ministry rejected the claim, insisting there had been “no dialogue” with Washington.
Tehran rejects reports of negotiations
Foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Iran had not engaged in any direct talks with the US, according to state media.
He confirmed that messages had been received via “friendly countries” conveying a US request for negotiations, but stressed that Iran responded in line with its “principled positions” without entering discussions.
Baghaei also warned that any attack on Iran’s energy infrastructure would be met with a “decisive, immediate, and effective” response.
Trump pauses strike threat
Despite the denial, Trump said he would hold off planned strikes on Iranian power plants for five days, after previously threatening action if Tehran failed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
He did not clarify who in Iran was involved in the reported talks.
Conflict continues on the ground
While diplomatic signals remain unclear, the Iran war continues to escalate.
Iranian strikes on Tel Aviv on Tuesday caused damage to buildings and set vehicles on fire, according to reports, while Israel said it was responding to multiple impact sites in central areas.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there may be an opportunity to turn military gains into an agreement but confirmed operations in Iran and Lebanon would continue.
Tehran is also reportedly preparing further strikes targeting Tel Aviv and regional allies of the US and Israel.
Markets react to mixed signals
Global markets reacted to the uncertainty, with oil prices initially dropping after Trump’s comments before recovering slightly.
Asian stock markets rallied early Tuesday, with Japan’s Nikkei 225, South Korea’s Kospi and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng all posting gains.
However, volatility remains as fears of disruption to energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz persist.
Energy concerns remain high
The ongoing Iran war continues to raise concerns over a potential global energy crisis, particularly in Asia, where countries rely heavily on oil and gas transported through the Strait of Hormuz.
With Washington and Tehran offering conflicting accounts, uncertainty remains over whether Iran war talks are underway or if further escalation is likely.
Also read: Trump delays power plant strikes on Iran for five days
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