Iran has firmly denied any talks with the United States, contradicting recent claims by President Donald Trump. As tensions persist, Tehran has warned of continued retaliation while regional diplomacy quietly unfolds.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry stated that no direct or indirect talks with Washington are taking place.
Iranian media outlets, including Fars News Agency, reiterated that there has been no communication between the two countries, directly contradicting Trump’s statements about “productive” discussions.
The ministry emphasized that despite recent reports, Iran has not engaged in negotiations with the United States.
Mixed signals amid claims of backchannel contacts
While Iran denies talks, it acknowledged that friendly countries have recently conveyed messages regarding possible negotiations.
According to Iranian officials, a message was received indicating that the US was interested in talks, but Tehran has not responded.
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Regional players, including Pakistan, Egypt, and Gulf states, have reportedly been passing messages between Washington and Tehran in an effort to open communication channels.
Iran accuses Trump of backing down
Iranian officials and media claimed that President Trump postponed strikes on Iranian power plants due to fears of retaliation. According to Fars, Trump backed down after Iran warned it would target power infrastructure across West Asia.
Similarly, Tasnim News Agency reported that financial market pressures also influenced Washington’s decision.
Strait of Hormuz stance
Iran made it clear that there has been no change in its position regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Officials stated that the situation in the strategic waterway will not return to its pre-war state, signaling continued disruption to global energy routes.
Tehran stressed that it will continue taking retaliatory measures as part of its national defense strategy. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned that Trump’s “contradictory behavior” would not weaken their response on the battlefield.
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Reports also indicated that Iranian forces launched new attacks on targets in Israel and US bases in the region.
Iranian leadership dismisses negotiation reports
Speaker of Parliament Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf also rejected claims of talks with the United States.
He described such reports as “fake news” aimed at lowering global oil prices and said the Iranian public demands strong punishment for those responsible for attacks.
1/ Iranian people demand complete and remorseful punishment of the aggressors.
— محمدباقر قالیباف | MB Ghalibaf (@mb_ghalibaf) March 23, 2026
All Irainan officials stand firmly behind their supreme leader and people until this goal is achieved.
The Foreign Ministry reiterated that Iran did not initiate the conflict and that Washington should take responsibility for escalation.
While acknowledging some regional initiatives to reduce tensions, Tehran insisted that the US must act as the primary party in any diplomatic engagement.
Iranian officials suggested that Trump’s remarks about talks and delaying strikes were aimed at reducing energy prices and buying time for military planning. They also maintained that there has been no shift in Iran’s stance on ending the war.
Reports of possible indirect engagement
Despite denials, Reuters reported that the US had requested a meeting with Iran’s parliamentary speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf. Tehran has not yet responded, and the matter is reportedly under review by Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.
US officials also indicated that contacts were taking place with Iranian representatives, though not with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.
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The United Kingdom welcomed any reports of productive talks, with a spokesperson for Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasizing the need for de-escalation. The UK also stressed the importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz, citing global economic concerns.
Israel kept informed
Reuters reported that Washington has been keeping Israel informed about its contacts with Iran. There are indications that Israel may consider halting attacks on Iranian power infrastructure in line with US decisions.
The situation remains highly fluid, with starkly conflicting narratives from Washington and Tehran. While the US speaks of progress in talks, Iran continues to deny negotiations, underscoring the fragile and uncertain path toward de-escalation.
