In a significant development on Monday, Iran categorically rejected any claims that it had engaged in direct negotiations with the United States. This denial came shortly after US President Donald Trump announced a temporary postponement of planned airstrikes targeting Iran’s power infrastructure. Trump attributed this delay to what he described as “productive and very good” discussions with unidentified Iranian representatives, signaling a potential de-escalation in the escalating tensions between the two nations.
Adding complexity to the situation, a European official revealed that although no formal direct talks have taken place between Washington and Tehran, several regional players including Egypt, Pakistan, and Gulf countries have been actively facilitating communication by relaying messages between the two sides. This indirect diplomatic channel underscores the intricate web of regional interests and the pivotal role Pakistan might play in brokering peace.
Further insight emerged from Pakistani sources indicating that Islamabad could soon host direct negotiations aimed at ending the ongoing conflict. These discussions are reportedly scheduled to commence as early as this week, reflecting Pakistan’s increasing involvement in mediating the crisis. Such a development highlights Pakistan’s strategic position and its diplomatic efforts to stabilize the region amid rising hostilities.
President Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to announce that the United States and Iran had engaged in “very good and productive” conversations focused on achieving a “complete and total resolution of hostilities” in the Middle East. He confirmed that, as a result of these talks, he was delaying a planned military operation against Iran’s energy grid by five days. This announcement had an immediate impact on global markets, with stock indices climbing and oil prices dropping sharply below the $100 per barrel mark, reversing the earlier market turmoil triggered by Trump’s weekend threats and Iran’s retaliatory warnings.
During a press interaction before departing Florida for Memphis, Trump revealed that his special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner, who had previously engaged in negotiations with Iranian officials before the outbreak of the conflict, held extended discussions with a senior Iranian figure late Sunday and planned to continue talks on Monday. He described the conversations as “very, very strong” and expressed optimism about reaching a deal, noting that there were “major points of agreement, almost all points of agreement.” Trump refrained from naming the Iranian official involved but referred to him as “the most respected and the leader,” suggesting a high-level interlocutor.
Meanwhile, Israeli and other intelligence sources identified the Iranian counterpart as Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, the powerful speaker of Iran’s parliament. However, Qalibaf publicly dismissed the reports of negotiations on the social media platform X, branding them as “fake news” and accusing the US and Israel of attempting to manipulate financial and oil markets. He emphasized that no talks had taken place and reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to holding the aggressors accountable, standing firmly behind the country’s supreme leader and people until their objectives are met.
In response to the unfolding diplomatic developments, Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) announced fresh attacks targeting US interests, labeling Trump’s statements as “psychological operations” that had lost their effectiveness. The IRGC claimed responsibility for missile strikes on several Israeli cities, including Dimona and Tel Aviv, as well as multiple US military bases. They described these actions as “impact-focused operations” aimed at negotiating with the “aggressors” through forceful measures.
Israel’s military confirmed detecting missile launches from Iran on Monday night, marking the first such activity since Trump’s announcement. At least one missile interception was reported near Jerusalem. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated in a video message that he had spoken with Trump and affirmed Israel’s intention to continue military operations in Lebanon and Iran. Netanyahu also acknowledged Trump’s belief that the military successes of the Israel Defense Forces and US forces could be leveraged to negotiate a deal that safeguards Israel’s vital interests.
Despite the absence of official confirmation regarding the talks described by Trump, Iran’s foreign ministry indicated ongoing efforts to ease tensions. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi held discussions with his Omani counterpart concerning developments around the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz. Both sides agreed to maintain consultations, underscoring the importance of this maritime chokepoint through which approximately 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments pass.
Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, demanding that the US and Israel cease their military actions before reopening it. This blockade has raised global concerns about energy security and the potential for prolonged disruption in international oil supplies. The Pakistani official also revealed that US Vice President JD Vance, along with Witkoff and Kushner, are expected to meet Iranian representatives in Islamabad this week. This follows a recent phone call between Trump and Pakistan’s Army Chief General Asim Munir, which the White House confirmed.
When questioned about the possibility of Witkoff and Kushner visiting Islamabad, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt emphasized the sensitivity of the diplomatic discussions, cautioning against premature conclusions until official announcements are made. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s office and foreign ministry remained silent on the matter, neither confirming nor denying the reports.
On the Iranian side, media outlets reported that President Masoud Pezeshkian engaged in talks with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, focusing on the war’s repercussions on regional and global security. Pezeshkian reiterated Iran’s dedication to maintaining stability, countering foreign interference, and enhancing cooperation with neighboring countries. This dialogue reflects Tehran’s broader strategy to solidify regional alliances amid mounting international pressure.
The backdrop to these diplomatic maneuvers is the ongoing conflict initiated by the US and Israel on February 28, which has resulted in over 2,000 casualties. Iran’s stern warnings about retaliating against critical infrastructure in the Middle East have heightened fears of a prolonged and severe disruption to global energy markets. As the situation remains fluid, the world watches closely to see whether these tentative talks can pave the way for de-escalation or if the region will plunge deeper into conflict.
