Iran Denies Negotiations, Says Trump's Claims Aimed at Lowering Global Energy Prices
Iran has denied holding any talks with the United States (US). The denial from the Iranian side contradicts the statement by US President Donald Trump that productive conversations have recently taken place between the two parties.
According to Anadolu Agency on Tuesday (24/3/2026), the semi-official Mehr news agency, quoting an Iranian source, stated that “there is no dialogue” between Tehran and Washington.
The source said Trump’s comments are part of his efforts “to lower energy prices and buy time to carry out military plans.” The Iranian source acknowledged that regional countries have proposed initiatives aimed at reducing tensions.
“We are not the party that started this war, and all demands should be directed at Washington,” the source added.
Trump stated on Monday (23/3) that he had ordered a five-day delay for all attacks on Iran’s power plants and energy infrastructure, citing “very good and productive” talks with Tehran over the past two days.
“I am pleased to report that the United States and Iran have had very good and productive conversations over the past two days regarding a complete and total resolution of our hostilities in the Middle East,” Trump said on his social media platform, Truth Social.
Trump added that based on the “tone and content of these in-depth, detailed, and constructive conversations, which will continue throughout the week,” he has instructed the Department of Defense to postpone all military attacks on Iran’s power plants and energy infrastructure for five days.
This delay is contingent on the success of the ongoing meetings and discussions, he added.
This comes as regional escalation continues to intensify since the US and Israel launched joint attacks on Iran on 28 February, which have so far killed more than 1,340 people, including Iran’s Supreme Leader at the time, Ali Khamenei.
Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, along with Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure as well as disrupting global markets and aviation.