Iran denies talks with US underway after Trump comments
US President Donald Trump said new talks with Iran are set to begin on Monday after he decided to hold off on striking the Islamic republic to pursue a deal to end the war.
"They said we would much prefer a deal as opposed to an attack, because you don't know where these attacks lead," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One late on Sunday.
He was looking for a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and address concerns over Tehran's nuclear program.
He gave no details on the venue, participants, or any deadline for an agreement.
The comments followed a social media post in which Trump said Iran and other Middle Eastern countries had requested more time to complete a deal.
Iranian media denied that Tehran had asked Trump not to strike.
Iran and the United States agreed in mid-June on a framework deal to end the war, with details to be finalized during a 60-day transition period, but both sides have since carried out major attacks. ALSO READ: No new Iran strikes for now amid deal hopes — Trump
No current talks with US — Iranian Foreign Ministry
Iran is not currently conducting talks with the US, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said on Monday, adding that it is, however, in discussions with Oman about a temporary safe route through the Strait of Hormuz.
The remarks by ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei came after US President Donald Trump said new talks with Iran on a peace deal were set to begin on Monday.
"We are not currently negotiating with the United States. Our negotiations are with Oman to secure passage through the Strait of Hormuz," Baghaei said during a weekly press briefing.
He added that a deal with Oman would not be enough to reopen the strait for commercial shipping, as the situation would stay unchanged if the US continued with its "aggression."
Oil slumps on hopes of Iran deal
Oil prices fell sharply in early Asian trading after US President Donald Trump announced new talks with Iran aimed at ending the Middle East conflict and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Brent crude for September delivery dropped more than 6% to $82.41 a barrel in early trade.
The conflict has disrupted energy markets and effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil and gas shipment. ALSO READ: Is the Strait of Hormuz still Iran's trump card?
