Iran war: Trump claims 'good talks' with Iran, but Tehran denies negotiations

President Donald Trump claimed on Monday that the United States and Iran are engaged in "good conversations" that could potentially lead to a peace agreement. Trump asserted that Iran had specifically requested the U.S. to cease attacks and resume negotiations, quoting, "They beautifully asked us, stop, let's meet." He also warned that the U.S. would resume strikes if talks faltered again. "If we don't have a deal, we'll go back to what we did a couple of days ago," Trump told reporters.

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They beautifully asked us, stop, let's meet.

The U.S. had suspended nearly two weeks of bombing against Iran the previous week. U.S. media reports indicated that depleted missile stockpiles may have been a contributing factor to this decision. Iran has also paused its attacks, with a Reuters source suggesting Iran is prepared to refrain from strikes if the U.S. reciprocates.

For months, Iran and the United States have been negotiating with varying success regarding the cessation of hostilities. Sources cited by the Associated Press suggest that mediators have managed to bring the U.S. and Iran back to the negotiating table now that the strikes have temporarily ceased. One source described the progress as "significant."

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If we don't have a deal, we'll go back to what we did a couple of days ago.

However, Iran's public stance does not align with the messages from Trump and the mediating countries. Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, stated on Monday that no peace talks are currently underway. While mediators might relay messages between Iran and the U.S., direct negotiations are not happening, he said, according to AP. Baghaei also denied Iran had asked the U.S. to return to the negotiating table, stating, "It is not our way," as reported by Reuters.

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It is not our way