Trump Claims Iran Deal as Tehran Denies Direct Talks

Donald Trump cancelled a massive military strike against Iran over the weekend, describing it as the largest since World War II. He stated the decision followed requests from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and specifically Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The president claimed a two-phase negotiation is underway: the first to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz by Tuesday and the second to achieve the denuclearization of Iran.

Iran's Foreign Ministry, through spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei, denied any direct or indirect bilateral talks with Washington. Iranian officials stated they are instead finalizing a temporary shipping route and security corridor agreement with the Government of Oman to manage maritime services. Mohsen Rezaei, a senior advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader, warned that any U.S. warships attempting unauthorized routes in the strait would be targeted.

Trump responded to the denials by calling the Iranian leadership "unbelievably duplicitous" and insisted the U.S. Navy already maintains complete control over the waterway. Despite the diplomatic friction, the decision to avoid military strikes triggered a rally in U.S. stocks and a decline in WTI crude futures by more than 5%. Tensions remain volatile as Iran launched at least three drones at ships in the Hormuz region within the last 24 hours.