Trump: ‘Unbelievably duplicitous’ Iran begged for talks, now denies they’re happening

Trump says Iran is 'unbelievably duplicitous' for denying talks are happening, while Tehran insists it only negotiates with Oman. Trump claims talks could reopen the Strait of Hormuz by Tuesday, with denuclearization next. He also says he scrapped a massive strike plan at Gulf allies' urging.

President Donald Trump said on Monday that the United States and Iran are currently engaged in talks over reopening the Strait of Hormuz, directly contradicting Iranian statements. In a post on Truth Social, Trump accused Iran of being 'unbelievably duplicitous,' claiming Tehran requested a meeting, talks began, and then Iran denied they were happening. He asserted that the US Navy controls the strait and that nothing gets through without US permission, adding that Iran will never have a nuclear weapon. Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Tehran is 'not currently negotiating with the United States' and that its negotiations are with Oman to secure passage through the strait. Trump later told reporters that talks could see the strait fully reopened by as early as Tuesday, followed by a second phase on denuclearization. He also said he scrapped a plan for 'the biggest attack since World War II' at the urging of Gulf allies and unnamed Iranian officials. The war began with US and Israel strikes on February 28, and Iran has reimposed a blockade of the strait since a ceasefire broke down.