Washington (Rajeev Sharma): US President Donald Trump has rejected reports that Washington offered Iran sanctions relief or access to frozen funds, while confirming that American and Iranian representatives held discussions as diplomatic efforts continue amid the conflict in the Middle East.
Trump responded to an Axios report claiming that his administration was prepared to ease some sanctions and release Iranian assets in return for specific commitments on Tehran’s nuclear programme. Calling the report false, Trump said he had made no such offer and accused the publication of spreading a “hoax.”
At the same time, Trump confirmed that US officials had been in contact with Iranian representatives. Speaking to reporters at the White House, he said discussions had taken place on Monday and expressed confidence that the situation could move towards a resolution quickly.
The reported diplomatic contacts come as regional countries, including Qatar, seek to facilitate communication between Washington and Tehran. The discussions are focused largely on Iran’s nuclear activities, sanctions and the broader military confrontation in the region.
Iran, however, has pushed back against reports that it is preparing to make concessions on its nuclear programme. An Iranian official, speaking to Press TV, said Tehran’s position had not changed and dismissed reports of increased flexibility as inaccurate.
The official also accused the United States of highlighting the nuclear issue to shift attention away from tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important route for global energy shipments.
Iran has repeatedly maintained that uranium enrichment for peaceful purposes is permitted under its interpretation of its rights under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Tehran has also argued that its nuclear and missile capabilities cannot simply become bargaining chips while the country remains under military pressure.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was expected to hold discussions with Qatari mediators in New York, as diplomatic efforts continued despite the sharply different public positions coming from Washington and Tehran.
