Iran Rejects Trump’s Claim of Planned US Talks as Tensions Persist
The Iranian government has dismissed US President Donald Trump’s claim that fresh talks between Washington and Tehran were scheduled to take place on Monday, insisting that no such meeting is planned.
Speaking at a weekly media briefing, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran has neither received a US delegation nor made arrangements to send one, directly contradicting Trump’s remarks made a day earlier.
Baghaei explained that Iran’s immediate diplomatic priority is ongoing discussions with Oman over the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important shipping route.
He said both sides are working toward a solution that protects their respective sovereign rights while addressing regional security concerns.
Trump had told reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday that he expected talks with Iran to begin the following day.
He also revealed that he had delayed authorising fresh US military strikes after consultations with key Gulf allies, including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
According to the US president, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and other regional leaders encouraged Washington to pursue diplomacy rather than military action, warning that further attacks could escalate tensions across the Middle East.
Meanwhile, maritime activity in the Red Sea continues to draw attention after two oil tankers carrying Saudi crude successfully passed through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait over the weekend despite threats issued by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement.
Shipping data monitored by Reuters showed the vessels crossed the strategic waterway with their automatic identification systems switched off.
The Houthis had announced a maritime blockade targeting Saudi-linked vessels last month and have since claimed responsibility for several attacks on oil tankers in the region, raising fresh concerns over the security of one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.
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