President Donald Trump claimed on March 23, 2026, that the United States and Iran are engaged in direct talks aimed at ending hostilities in the Middle East. In a Truth Social post and subsequent comments to reporters, Trump announced he had postponed planned U.S. strikes on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for five days following what he described as “very good and productive conversations.”
Trump stated that his envoys, including Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, held discussions with “respected” Iranian officials over the weekend, revealing “major points of agreement.” He added that Iran “wants very much to make a deal” and suggested further contact, possibly by phone, would occur that day. The move elicited positive reactions in oil markets, with prices easing amid hopes of de-escalation.
However, Iranian officials swiftly denied the claims. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf labeled Trump’s statements “fake news” intended to manipulate financial and oil markets, insisting no negotiations had taken place. Tehran’s state media echoed the rejection, calling it psychological warfare even as missile exchanges continued.
The conflicting accounts have fuelled skepticism about the prospects for a quick resolution to the escalating conflict.
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