U.S. President Signals Renewed Diplomatic Push While Iran Continues to Deny Direct Negotiations 
U.S. President Donald Trump has said negotiations with Iran are taking place “right now,” describing the diplomatic effort as Tehran's final opportunity to reach an agreement and avoid further escalation in the long-running confrontation between the two countries.
Speaking at the White House, Trump said the United States remained open to diplomacy but warned that the opportunity for a negotiated settlement would not remain available indefinitely.
“One Last Chance”
Trump told reporters that his administration believes Iran has been given a final opportunity to address U.S. concerns through negotiations.
According to the president, the proposed discussions are expected to focus on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, reducing regional tensions and addressing concerns surrounding Iran's nuclear programme.
"We're giving them one last chance," Trump said, adding that he hoped diplomacy would succeed but stressed that the United States was prepared to respond if talks failed.
Iran Rejects Trump's Claim
Iranian officials, however, have disputed Trump's assertion that direct negotiations are underway.
Iran's Foreign Ministry said there were no direct talks with the United States, maintaining that any current diplomatic engagement is limited to discussions with Oman concerning navigation through the Strait of Hormuz rather than broader U.S.-Iran negotiations.
The differing accounts underscore the continuing mistrust between Washington and Tehran despite recent diplomatic activity.
Focus on Regional Stability
The renewed diplomatic push follows weeks of heightened tensions in the Middle East, including disputes over maritime security and concerns about disruptions to global oil shipments.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most strategically important waterways, with a significant share of global crude oil exports passing through the narrow shipping route.
Analysts say any progress in negotiations could help reduce uncertainty in global energy markets and ease broader regional tensions.
No Deadline for Agreement
Although Trump described the negotiations as Iran's final opportunity, he also indicated that his administration had not imposed a formal deadline for reaching an agreement.
He said the United States would evaluate developments as discussions continue while keeping all options available if diplomacy fails.
Uncertain Outlook
Diplomatic observers caution that major differences remain between the two sides over sanctions, Iran's nuclear activities, regional security and freedom of navigation in the Gulf.
With Washington insisting negotiations are progressing and Tehran publicly denying direct talks, the prospects for a breakthrough remain uncertain despite renewed international efforts to reduce tensions.