Trump Claims 'Friendly Negotiations' with Iran Amid Pause in Strikes; Tehran Denies Direct Talks
US President Donald Trump has stated that 'very friendly negotiations' are underway regarding the conflict with Iran, following three consecutive days without strikes from either side. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Monday, Trump expressed optimism about ending the war, saying, 'I think there's a good chance that something could happen.' However, he warned that if the latest diplomatic efforts fail, Washington would 'go back to doing what we were doing' before the pause in hostilities.
Iranian officials have denied that any direct negotiations are taking place between the two countries. Trump said he decided to halt US strikes on Friday after mediating nations requested he give talks another opportunity. Iran has also suspended its attacks during this period.
The pause follows nearly two weeks of daily US strikes and tit-for-tat attacks, effectively unravelling the ceasefire established in June. The US military stated that the strikes aimed to 'degrade Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz,' a crucial global oil transport route. The price of oil fell by more than 9% to $87.59 a barrel on Monday, reflecting hopes of de-escalation.
Aboard Air Force One, Trump dismissed media reports that US ammunition stockpiles were running low after five months of fighting. 'We have a lot of ammunition. We have a lot of the mid-level stuff too, more than we could ever use, no matter what,' he said. He added that a 'lot of equipment' was being produced, particularly Patriot anti-ballistic missiles. 'That system is going up. We have a lot,' he stated.
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly echoed the president's remarks, asserting that the US military 'has more than enough munitions, ammo, and stockpiles to serve all of President Trump's strategic goals and beyond, and Operation Epic Fury has exposed what happens when you mess with the United States.' She added that Trump has urged defence contractors to 'constantly produce more made-in-America weapons, which are the best in the world.'
