U.S. President Donald Trump said there is a “very serious chance” of reaching an agreement with Iran, after announcing a temporary halt to planned strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure.
Speaking to reporters before boarding Air Force One, Trump revealed that the United States and Iran had engaged in discussions over the weekend, prompting him to suspend attacks for five days.
He said the talks involved his special envoy Steve Witkoff and advisor Jared Kushner, and were held with a “high-level” Iranian figure — though not the supreme leadership.
Trump added that “important points of agreement” had already been reached, describing the discussions as productive and ongoing.
However, Iranian officials quickly denied that any negotiations were taking place. State-linked outlets, including those close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, said there were no direct or indirect talks with Washington.
Regional tensions and mediation efforts
Meanwhile, Oman has been working to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz — a vital global oil transit route — amid rising tensions.
Trump had earlier warned Tehran that its energy infrastructure could be targeted if it did not fully reopen the strait to maritime traffic within 48 hours.
The warning triggered strong reactions from Iranian officials, who threatened retaliation against energy infrastructure across the region, including in Israel and facilities linked to U.S. bases in the Gulf.
Escalation risks remain high
The conflict, which escalated after joint U.S.-Israeli military actions in late February, has already caused significant casualties and shaken global markets. Rising fuel prices and fears of supply disruptions have heightened concerns over inflation and economic instability worldwide.
Threats targeting energy networks in the Gulf have also raised alarms about potential disruptions to water desalination systems, which are critical for drinking water in several countries.
Despite the tensions, Trump indicated that further military action would depend on the outcome of ongoing diplomatic efforts.
