Iran denies plans for new U.S. talks after Trump's announcement

What This is

• President Donald Trump said the U.S. is in talks with Iran and cast them as a “last chance” to reach a deal.
• Iran’s foreign ministry denied that any direct talks or meetings with the U.S. are underway or scheduled.
• Iran says it is talking with Oman about a temporary safe route or corridor for ships in the Strait of Hormuz, not a broader U.S. peace process.
• Trump described a phased approach, with reopening Hormuz first and then addressing Iran’s nuclear program later.
• Trump said he called off or delayed major U.S. strikes to give diplomacy time, often citing pressure from Gulf allies.
• A cargo vessel reported being struck by an “unknown projectile” near Oman, underscoring the security risks around the strait.
• Commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains sharply reduced, with some ships rerouting or limiting tracking signals.
• Iran warned it would target U.S. warships if they try to impose a shipping route that Iran has not approved.
• Oil and financial markets have swung on the mixed signals, with crude prices moving sharply as investors react to talk-and-strike headlines.

Why This Matters

• Mixed messages from Washington and Tehran raise the risk of miscalculation, where one side acts assuming the other side agreed to something it did not.
• The Strait of Hormuz is a key route for global oil and gas, so prolonged disruption can lift energy costs and add pressure to household budgets worldwide.
• Repeated ship attacks and rerouting increase insurance and shipping costs, which can feed into higher prices for goods far beyond the region.
• For Iranians, shifting talk-of-war and talk-of-talks adds to uncertainty that can worsen economic anxiety and political distrust at home.