The United States and Iran have recently had “overlap” but have not progressed to formal negotiations, an Iranian source told CNN.
“There have been Washington-initiated contacts between the United States and Iran in recent days, but nothing that has reached the level of full-fledged negotiations,” the source was quoted as saying by the news site.
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Messages through intermediaries
Communication is said to take place through indirect channels, with mediators making proposals aimed at exploring a possible end to the conflict.
“Messages have been received from various mediators to see if an agreement can be reached to end the war,” the source was quoted as saying.
Focus on long-term settlement
The discussions are not limited to a temporary truce, but are aimed at a broader solution to the conflict.
“The proposals that are being examined are not just aimed at achieving a ceasefire, but at a specific agreement to end the conflict between the US and Iran,” the source is quoted as saying.
Iran is open, but no direct talks are sought
Tehran is not actively seeking direct negotiations, but reportedly remains open to considering credible proposals.
“Iran is not demanding a meeting or direct talks with the United States, but is willing to listen if a plan for a sustainable deal that preserves the national interests of the Islamic Republic of Iran is within reach,” the source said.
Nuclear deterrence and sanctions relief
The source reiterated Iran’s stance on its nuclear program and sanctions.
The source added that any deal must also include lifting all sanctions on Iran.
No comment on Trump’s statements
The source declined to comment on US President Donald Trump’s public remarks regarding the negotiations, saying Iran’s position on engagement remains consistent, according to the news outlet.
Trump signals possible de-escalation, Tehran denies negotiations
Trump hinted at a potential diplomatic breakthrough in the ongoing conflict with Iransaying that Washington could be moving closer to ending hostilities.
In a March 23 social media post, Trump said he was delaying previously announced plans to strike Iran’s energy infrastructure by five days, depending on developments around the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking to reporters before boarding Air Force One, Trump expressed cautious optimism after the reported backchannel efforts.
“All I’m saying is that we’re within the realms of a real possibility of doing a deal,” he said. “And I think if I were a betting man, I’d bet on it. But again, I make no guarantees.”
He added that his envoys, including Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, held “very good” talks with unnamed Iranian officials over the weekend.
The Hormuz crisis drives urgency
The Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy choke point providing roughly 20% of the world’s oil supply, has remained effectively closed during the conflict, pushing up oil and gas prices.
Trump said the decision to refrain from targeting critical infrastructure was related to that diplomatic effort.
Iran rejects demands for negotiations
However, Iran categorically denied any high-level talks with Washington and rejected Trump’s statements.
“There have been no negotiations with the US,” Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said in a post on X.
“And fake news is being used to manipulate the financial and oil markets and to get out of the quagmire in which the US and Israel are trapped,” he added.
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