What’s happening with US–Iran ‘talks’? Here’s the situation explained:

Amid escalating tensions in West Asia, conflicting claims from Washington and Tehran have cast doubt on prospects for diplomacy to end the conflict. US President Donald Trump on Monday said the two sides had held “productive” talks over the past two days—an assertion firmly denied by Iran, which insists no such discussions have taken place.

In an interview with Fox News, Trump described the talks as “very, very strong,” claiming there were “major points of agreement” and suggesting they could help resolve the conflict if they continue.

Key takeaways from Trump’s remarks

• Trump said US-Iran talks have been ongoing for the past two days.
• He described them as “very strong” with “major points of agreement.”
• The US has paused strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure for up to five days.
• He said Iran “wants to make a deal badly.”
• Iran has denied that any talks are taking place.

What the US wants

Trump outlined Washington’s priorities, focusing on Iran’s nuclear programme and regional stability.

“We want no nuclear weapon—not even close—and reduced missile activity. We want peace in the Middle East,” he said, expressing confidence a deal could be reached.

Hint at high-level engagement

The US president also suggested discussions may involve top Iranian leadership, though he stopped short of naming individuals.

“We’re dealing with the man who, I believe, is the most respected—the leader,” he said, in an apparent reference to Iran’s supreme leadership.

A report by the Jerusalem Post claimed that Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf may be leading Tehran’s side in any potential engagement, though this has not been independently confirmed.

Iran rejects claims

Tehran has pushed back strongly, with its foreign ministry denying that any talks are underway.

Responding to the denials, Trump said he was “not sure what they are referring to” and reiterated that Iran is eager to strike a deal.

According to Fox Business anchor Maria Bartiromo, Trump dismissed Iranian media reports and claimed recent discussions took place as recently as Sunday involving US officials and their Iranian counterparts.

Trump also addressed how Washington would handle Iran’s enriched uranium under a potential deal, saying: “If we have a deal, we’ll go in and take it ourselves.”