Iran-US Talks: Ghalibaf, Denials & Market Optimism Amidst War Uncertainty
Donald Trump on Monday claimed that Washington and Tehran had held “very good and productive” discussions, pausing planned strikes on Iranian power infrastructure, even as Iran’s Foreign Ministry denied any such talks. The claims emerged as reports surfaced identifying Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the speaker of Iran’s parliament, as the “top person” involved in the backchannel negotiations with the U.S., a claim Ghalibaf swiftly rejected.
Ghalibaf, addressing the reports via X, stated that no negotiations had taken place with the U.S., characterizing reports to the contrary as “fakenews” intended to manipulate financial and oil markets and deflect from challenges faced by the U.S. And Israel. He affirmed the commitment of Iranian officials to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the pursuit of “complete and remorseful punishment of the aggressors.”
Trump, speaking to reporters before boarding Air Force One, offered limited details, referring only to a “top person” with whom his administration was engaged. He declined to name his counterpart but insisted negotiations were underway with someone of influence. When pressed about the potential involvement of Mojtaba Khamenei, recently appointed as Iran’s new supreme leader, Trump stated the U.S. Had not heard from him. He also alluded to previous targeting of Iranian leadership, stating, “We’ve wiped out the leadership phase one, phase two and largely phase three.”
The reported discussions follow Trump’s announcement of a pause in planned military action targeting Iran’s power infrastructure, a decision he attributed to the newly opened communication channels. The delay, Trump said, would last five days. Sources cited by The Jerusalem Post initially identified Ghalibaf as leading the talks on Iran’s behalf, a claim he has now publicly denied.
The situation remains fluid, with Iran’s Foreign Ministry maintaining its denial of any direct communication with U.S. Officials. Trump acknowledged potential disruptions to communications within Iran, suggesting this may be a factor in the conflicting reports. Despite the denials, markets reacted with cautious optimism, anticipating signs of progress or constructive dialogue.
Adding to the complexity, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has promised a “fresh military surprise” in the coming day, though such statements are often viewed with skepticism. The U.S. Department of War has been instructed to postpone strikes targeting Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure, according to Trump.