US officials deny new Iran talks despite Trump announcement

Senior US officials have denied any plans to launch new negotiations with Iran, despite President Donald Trump's announcement that talks between Washington and Tehran would begin on Monday. Tehran also confirmed it is not engaged in any direct negotiations with the United States at this time.

US officials told CBS News that the administration is not preparing for a "new" or different round of talks, clarifying that current contacts are limited to ongoing discussions between Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and the US negotiating team with the Iranian side through intermediaries.

On the Iranian side, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei stated at a press conference on Monday that Tehran has no plans for direct talks with Washington, responding to Trump's remarks that "a deal is imminent."

Baghaei said: "To avoid any misunderstanding, it is important to clarify the nature of the current negotiations and the parties involved. We are not negotiating with the United States at this time."

He added that ongoing talks are limited to Oman and focus on reaching an understanding to ensure the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz.

In response, Trump posted on Truth Social, describing the Iranian leadership as "incredibly deceptive" and claimed they had requested a meeting. He added that talks had already begun and that further rounds were planned in the near future, despite Tehran's denial.

Trump added: "Nothing will reach Iran unless we want it to, and nothing will happen except through an agreement or complete surrender."

The US president reiterated that the United States seeks to resolve the crisis, stressing that "Iran will never possess a nuclear weapon."

On Sunday, Trump said he had called off major strikes against Iran after Gulf allies and Tehran urged giving diplomacy a chance, announcing that negotiations would resume Monday and that "a deal is imminent."