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As geopolitical tensions between Iran and the US and Israel continue to escalate, noteworthy statements have come from the Tehran administration.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf stated that reports circulating in the international community about a deal with the US were “fake,” arguing that such content was spread specifically to manipulate the oil and financial markets.
Kalibaf stated that no negotiations had taken place with the US, saying, “Markets are being manipulated through fake news, and the aim is to escape the impasse that the US and Israel are in.” A similar statement came from the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson. The spokesperson stated that no contact had taken place with the US, and that their stance on the Strait of Hormuz and the conditions they put forward for the end of the war remained unchanged.
These statements coincide with contradictory assessments made by US President Donald Trump in recent days. While indicating openness to a potential agreement with Iran, Trump also raised the possibility of a “very serious form of regime change.” He further stated that the Strait of Hormuz could be reopened soon and that even joint control scenarios were being considered. Trump claimed that Iran had agreed not to develop nuclear weapons, but added that he “cannot guarantee an agreement” regarding negotiations.
However, the Iranian side categorically rejects Trump’s claims of direct talks. Indeed, recent reports indicate that Iran is not officially conducting direct negotiations with the US, and that contacts are only taking place through intermediaries.
Meanwhile, new developments are taking place on the diplomatic front. According to the Financial Times, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Asim Munir, reportedly met with US President Trump over the weekend. Pakistan is said to be attempting to assume a key mediating role in ending the conflict between the US and Israel and Iran.
*This is not investment advice.
coindesk.com