Trump claims “productive” Iran talks and pauses energy strikes, Tehran denies any negotiations as war enters day 25

CAIRO - 24 March 2026: The U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict moved into its 25th day with a new question hanging over the fighting, are Washington and Tehran actually talking, or not.

U.S. President Donald Trump said he ordered a five-day delay to planned strikes on Iranian power plants and energy facilities, arguing that the past two days brought what he called “very good and productive conversations” aimed at easing tensions in the Middle East.

Iran publicly pushed back within hours.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry said there are no negotiations with the United States, rejecting Trump’s statement; Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said friendly countries have recently passed messages suggesting Washington wants talks to end the war, but Tehran has not responded. He also said Iran’s position on the Strait of Hormuz and its conditions for ending the war have not changed.

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf echoed the denial on X, saying “no negotiations have been held” with the United States, and framing Trump’s comments as misinformation meant to shape markets.