WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said on Friday that no talks are currently taking place between the United States and Iran, and none are scheduled, apparently ruling out imminent diplomatic engagement between the long-time adversaries.
“There are no talks with Iran taking place, and none are scheduled,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, without elaborating. The statement came in response to questions about recent media reports suggesting possible back-channel communications or planned meetings.
The president’s remarks contradict earlier signals from some officials who hinted at a possible resumption of nuclear discussions. They also come amid heightened tensions over Iran’s advancing uranium enrichment program and its support for armed groups in the Middle East.
Tehran has repeatedly said it is open to talks if the United States shows goodwill, but has also warned that it will not negotiate under pressure. Iran’s mission to the United Nations has not yet commented on Trump’s latest statement.
The United States and Iran have been locked in confrontation since Washington withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal in 2018 and reimposed sanctions. Negotiations to revive the accord have stalled for more than a year, with both sides trading blame for the lack of progress.
Analysts say Trump’s denial of any upcoming talks could further reduce near-term prospects for a diplomatic breakthrough, possibly leaving the region on edge as Iran continues to expand its nuclear activities and enrich uranium to near weapons-grade levels.
No new meetings or consultations have been announced by either side, and the White House has not provided any timeline for revisiting the issue.