Trump Claims Iran Wants Deal While Tehran Denies Talks Amid Regional Tensions

Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, US President Donald Trump has claimed that Iran is engaged in talks and wants to reach an agreement but is afraid to announce it publicly.

Trump stated that the United States is winning against Iran in the Middle East in a way that no one has ever seen before. He added that Tehran wants to reach an agreement but does not dare to announce it publicly because of fear.

White House spokesperson Carolin Leivit said constructive talks have continued over the past three days. She noted that the US 15-point plan has not been confirmed and its details will not be announced. The US government is also considering new ways for the safe passage of oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz and stabilizing oil prices.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi insisted that no talks have taken place with the American side. He said that in recent days the Americans have sent messages through intermediaries, but these exchanges are not talks, only an exchange of messages through their friends.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appointed French diplomat Jean Arnault as his special envoy for the Middle East crisis. Guterres said the war in the Middle East has gotten out of control and the world is on the brink of a widespread war, adding that diplomatic actions must succeed.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that enemies are planning to occupy one of Iran's islands. He said that if such an action occurs, all vital infrastructure of that country will be subject to severe attacks.

This comes as earlier reports of an attack on Kharg Island by forces from US bases in Qatar and the Emirates had been published.