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U.S. President Donald Trump said that recent negotiations with Iran took place overnight and that a deal could be reached within five days or even sooner.
According to Trump, Tehran is “very eager” to finalize an agreement.
“I’m not sure what the Iranian media are talking about,” he said, commenting on reports denying the talks.
When asked who exactly the U.S. was negotiating with, Trump said Iran has “representatives,” without providing further details. This marks a shift from his earlier statement on March 20, when he said Washington had difficulty finding counterparts for dialogue.
Strikes delayed amid talks
Trump also confirmed that he ordered a delay in planned strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure for five days, citing what he described as “very productive and constructive” discussions over the past two days.
The pause is conditional on progress in ongoing negotiations aimed at de-escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Iran denies negotiations
Iranian officials and media, however, deny that any direct talks with the United States have taken place.
Tehran’s Foreign Ministry said there is no dialogue, accusing Trump of attempting to “buy time” while regional de-escalation efforts continue.
Background: ultimatum over Strait of Hormuz
Earlier, Trump issued an ultimatum demanding that Iran reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. He warned that failure to comply would result in strikes on Iran’s power infrastructure.
In response, Tehran threatened retaliatory attacks on U.S. energy, IT, and desalination infrastructure in the region if its own facilities are targeted.
