Trump claims talks with Iran, Tehran denies any negotiations underway

While aboard Air Force One, President Trump said the United States would begin negotiations with Iran the following afternoon, presenting the supposed talks as the reason for calling off a series of threatened attacks. Iran's foreign ministry, through spokesman Esmail Baghaei, denied any such talks, confirming that no meetings are planned and that Iranian negotiators are staying at home, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi away on a religious pilgrimage in Iraq.

Baghaei added that the sole ongoing discussions involve Oman concerning the management of the Strait of Hormuz. The pattern of Trump announcing massive attacks and then retracting them after invoking diplomatic outreach has continued for more than five months. Tehran has rejected all U.S. overtures since a June memorandum collapsed in early July, and the dispute over the strait remains a key flashpoint.

Oil prices fell after the latest U.S. decision to hold back, with Brent crude dropping over 4% to about $84 a barrel. An incident reported by the UK maritime authority noted an explosion near a vessel in the strait, but no injuries were reported.