US President Donald Trump has said a potential deal with Iran could be reached “within five days or sooner,” even as Tehran publicly denied any ongoing negotiations. Speaking to Fox News, Trump claimed Iran was urgently seeking an agreement, signalling optimism about a breakthrough in the escalating conflict.
He also told CNBC that the United States is “very intent on a deal” and suggested that what is currently unfolding could be described as “regime change,” indicating a broader strategic objective.
Trump’s remarks come shortly after he ordered a five-day pause on planned strikes targeting Iranian energy infrastructure, citing “productive” discussions.
Iranian state media has rejected the claim, insisting there are no direct or indirect talks with Washington.
However, a US source quoted by Axios claimed that Turkey, Egypt and Pakistan have been passing messages between the US and Iran over the past two days. The foreign ministers of the three countries held separate talks with White House envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, the source said.
Earlier today, Trump said the United States and Iran had held "very good" talks towards ending the three-week Middle East war, putting threatened US attacks on Iran's power plants on hold in a stunning about-turn.
In a social media post that immediately sent oil prices tumbling, Trump said Washington and Tehran had held "productive conversations" over the last two days towards "a complete and total resolution" of hostilities in the Middle East.
Based on the talks, Trump said he had instructed the Pentagon to "postpone any and all military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for a five day period, subject to the success of the ongoing meetings."
The previously unreported US-Iranian talks would "continue throughout the week," Trump said.
The bombshell announcement came ahead of a Monday night ultimatum for the Islamic republic to reopen the Strait of Hormuz shipping lane -- or see Trump "obliterate" its power plants.
In response, Iran had threatened to deploy naval mines in the Gulf and target power plants across the region -- ramping up its rhetoric after warnings the world faced an energy crisis of historic proportions if the US-Israeli war with Iran drags on.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
Find the best of Al News in one place, specially curated for you every weekend.
Stay on top of the latest tech trends and biggest startup news.
