Trump asserts United States is not in talks with Iran, hints at imminent action

4 outlets1 min read11m agoImportance 4/10

President Donald Trump told reporters the United States is not currently negotiating with Iran and said a development is expected soon.

Why it matters

The comment hints at a possible change in U.S.-Iran relations that could affect regional stability and U.S. foreign policy.

How this story developed

Sep 24 Gulf oil exporters use alternate routes to sustain supply amid Iran conflict
Oct 8 A tanker north of Qatar was hit by multiple projectiles, causing casualties.
Oct 8 Trump publicly ruled out an Iranian strike before the midterm elections.
Oct 9 Oil prices rose sharply as uncertainty over the U.S. stance on Iran grew.
Oct 10 According to the Revolutionary Guard, the vessel hit a mine and burst into flames while transiting the Hormuz Strait. The flag of the ship has not been identified. The incident follows a series of recent attacks on vessels in the Persian Gulf, including Iran's claim that it shot at a tanker using an "illegal channel." The flare-up has contributed to a rise in global oil prices and renewed worries about the security of one of the world’s key oil transit routes.
Oct 11 Trump has kept large‑scale military pressure on Iran on hold for the next 24 days until the midterm elections conclude.
Oct 13 Trump’s Strait of Hormuz announcement and dismissal of Iran’s UN proposal occurred alongside a Brent price jump and the departure of the final U.S. soldiers from Iraq.
Oct 14 Iran’s security chief publicly named the US‑UAE night‑shuttle as a specific target.
Oct 14 Iran announced a revised method for targeting vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
Oct 14 The International Energy Agency says worldwide oil consumption will fall this year, and diesel supplies will remain constrained through 2027.
Oct 14 Trump warned that Washington will soon decide its next move against Iran.
Oct 15 The IEA sent a letter urging member countries to accelerate diesel stock releases ahead of its Oct. 15 board meeting.
Oct 17 A supertanker hit a sea mine in the strait, triggering a fire.
Oct 20 US Central Command said about 400 ships and 100 million barrels of oil still transited the strait.

In this story

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Updated 22 Oct 2026, 06:58 UTC