Trump Says Iran Deal Is Near as Tehran Denies Negotiations

by | Mar 23, 2026 | News

President Donald Trump said Monday that the United States is close to reaching a deal with Iran that could end the current war and prevent further strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure. According to Trump, the talks have been productive enough for him to delay planned attacks on Iran’s power plants for five days.

Trump claimed Iran is prepared to agree not to pursue nuclear weapons, stop uranium enrichment, and hand over its stockpile of enriched uranium. He said such an agreement would make Israel “very happy” and could bring long-term peace to the region.

Iran quickly pushed back, denying that any negotiations with the United States have taken place during the war. Iranian officials said messages had been passed through friendly countries, but no direct or indirect talks had occurred in the last 24 days of fighting.

Trump said top U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were involved in the talks and described the discussions as intense and constructive. He also suggested communication inside Iran’s leadership may be badly disrupted, making it possible that not all officials are aware of the contacts.

Reports in Israeli and international media said Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf may be playing a central role on Tehran’s side, though he publicly denied any negotiations.

Israel did not immediately comment on Trump’s announcement, but officials indicated Washington had kept Jerusalem informed. Reports also suggested Israel may pause strikes on Iranian energy targets if diplomacy continues, though the IDF still announced new attacks on regime infrastructure in Tehran shortly afterward.

The possible deal had an immediate effect on oil markets. Brent crude dropped sharply on hopes that the Strait of Hormuz could reopen and the conflict might ease. Trump said the waterway would reopen immediately if an agreement is reached.

Regional mediators including Egypt, Pakistan, and Turkey were reported to be working to buy time and keep talks moving. Oman also called for de-escalation and said it was working on safe passage arrangements in the Strait.

For now, the biggest question remains whether real negotiations are happening or whether both sides are still maneuvering publicly while the war continues.

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