Senior Iranian officials have issued a firm and categorical denial of reports suggesting secret negotiations with the United States. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf stated that international reports of a potential deal were "fake," arguing that such content was spread specifically to manipulate oil and financial markets. "Markets are being manipulated through fake news, and the aim is to escape the impasse that the US and Israel are in," Qalibaf said.
A similar denial came from the Iranian Foreign Ministry, which stated that no contact had taken place with the U.S. and that Iran's stance on the Strait of Hormuz and its conditions for ending regional conflicts remained unchanged. The denials were swiftly disseminated through state-affiliated media outlets like the Tasnim News Agency, which serves as an instrument of official state communication.
The denials directly contradict recent statements from U.S. President Donald Trump, who indicated openness to a potential agreement with Iran and suggested the Strait of Hormuz could be reopened soon, with even joint control scenarios being considered. Trump claimed Iran had agreed not to develop nuclear weapons but added he "cannot guarantee an agreement" regarding negotiations.
The original report alleging contact originated from The Jerusalem Post, citing unnamed sources. Analysts note that such unverified claims often emerge when formal diplomacy is stalled and can serve as trial balloons or misinformation. The incident highlights the persistent fragility of Iran-U.S. relations and the complex information warfare surrounding Middle Eastern geopolitics, with potential implications for global commodity markets and broader financial stability.
