Iran has rejected President Trump’s claims of peace talks as “fake news,” with Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf and the Foreign Ministry denying any US negotiations amid the 2026 war.
“No Negotiations” With US, Dismisses Trump Claims as “Fake News”:
Iran has categorically rejected President Donald Trump’s claims of ongoing peace negotiations with Tehran, dismissing them as “fake news” aimed at manipulating financial and oil markets. Senior officials, including Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf and the Foreign Ministry, stated unequivocally that “no negotiations have been held with the US,” direct or indirect, even as Trump insisted “very good and productive conversations” were underway.
The blunt denial comes amid escalating tensions in the 2026 Iran war, with the Strait of Hormuz largely paralysed and oil prices remaining above $119 a barrel.
Trump’s Optimistic Claims Meet Tehran’s Swift and Unified Denial:
Trump told reporters and posted on Truth Social that the US had held “very good and productive conversations” with a “respected” Iranian leader, suggesting Iran “wants to make a deal” and hinting at a possible pause in strikes on energy infrastructure. He extended a deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, framing it as a sign of progress.
Tehran’s response was immediate and unified. The Foreign Ministry told state outlets that friendly countries had relayed US interest in talks, but “no dialogue” followed. Qalibaf’s post amplified the message, accusing Washington of using the narrative to manipulate markets.
The denial comes days after Iran vowed to permanently close the Strait of Hormuz if the US attacks its power plants, following Trump’s earlier 48-hour ultimatum.
From Pre-Emptive Strikes to Conflicting Narratives:
The 2026 Iran war began on 28 February with US-Israeli pre-emptive strikes that killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. It has since evolved into a broader conflict involving energy infrastructure, Iranian missile strikes near Israel’s Dimona nuclear site, and the effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Trump has repeatedly claimed Iran is weakening and open to a deal, while Tehran has projected defiance under new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.