Daijiworld Media Network – Washington

Washington, Jul 28: US President Donald Trump has claimed that the United States is engaged in “very friendly negotiations” with Iran, even as Iranian officials have publicly denied that any talks are taking place, adding a fresh layer of uncertainty to efforts aimed at easing tensions between the two countries.

Trump's remarks came during a television interview in which he suggested that diplomatic engagement with Tehran was progressing positively. However, Iranian authorities rejected the claim, insisting that no negotiations are currently underway with Washington.

The contradictory statements have raised questions over the status of any backchannel diplomacy amid heightened tensions over Iran's nuclear programme, US sanctions, and military activity in the Middle East.

Relations between the two countries have remained strained in recent months, with repeated disagreements over Iran's nuclear ambitions, regional security concerns, and the future of sanctions. The latest conflicting claims are expected to further complicate efforts to revive diplomatic engagement.

Neither the White House nor Iranian officials have provided additional details to clarify the apparent discrepancy over the existence of negotiations.