TEHRAN, Mar 23: Iran has firmly denied any ongoing negotiations with the United States, contradicting recent statements by Donald Trump suggesting diplomatic engagement to end the conflict.
According to Iran’s Foreign Ministry, comments made by Trump are part of a broader strategy to influence global energy markets and buy time for potential military actions. The state-owned IRAN newspaper echoed this stance, stating that Washington’s narrative is designed to ease pressure on rising oil prices rather than reflect genuine diplomatic progress.
Iranian officials emphasized that while regional countries have made efforts to de-escalate tensions, Tehran’s position remains unchanged. “Iran did not start the war,” officials said, adding that any calls for negotiations should be directed at Washington.
Separately, the Tasnim News Agency reported, citing an unnamed official, that the strategic Strait of Hormuz will not return to pre-war conditions anytime soon. The agency warned that global energy markets are likely to remain volatile amid continued uncertainty.
Tasnim also claimed that Trump had stepped back from plans to target key Iranian infrastructure due to pressure from financial markets. It added that Iran would continue its defensive posture until it achieves what it described as “deterrence.”
Meanwhile, Mehr News Agency reinforced the government’s position, quoting the Foreign Ministry as saying there are “no talks between Tehran and Washington.” The report reiterated that U.S. statements about negotiations are primarily aimed at stabilizing energy prices rather than signaling a shift toward diplomacy.
Also, two Iranian semi-official news agencies affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps have denied any form of negotiations, direct or indirect, with Washington, contradicting claims made by Donald Trump.
Both Fars News Agency and Tasnim News Agency portrayed the U.S. president as having stepped back under pressure from Iran’s warnings.
Tasnim reported that although mediators have conveyed messages to Tehran since the conflict began, Iran’s stance remains firm: it will continue its defensive operations until it reaches what it describes as an adequate level of deterrence. The agency stressed that no negotiations have taken place and none are currently in progress.
It further added that what it described as “psychological warfare” by Washington would not restore stability, warning that the Strait of Hormuz is unlikely to return to pre-war conditions and global energy markets will remain unsettled.
