US President Donald Trump has denied reports that his administration offered Iran sanctions relief.
Trump rejected claims that Washington offered to release frozen Iranian assets. He also denied making such an offer in exchange for nuclear concessions.
In a statement on Truth Social, Trump called the Axios report untrue. He said he had offered Iran nothing and urged the outlet to withdraw its report. Reuters also reported that Trump denied offering sanctions relief or access to frozen funds.
The denial came after Axios reported that Trump was prepared to consider sanctions relief. The report said frozen Iranian funds could also be released under certain conditions.
Those conditions reportedly involved concrete steps by Tehran regarding its nuclear programme. The claims were attributed to US officials familiar with the discussions.
The issue comes as Washington and Tehran continue indirect diplomatic contacts. US and Iranian officials have held separate discussions with mediators. Qatar has played a role in the latest diplomatic efforts.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has also discussed Tehran’s proposals with Qatari mediators. Iran has been seeking a negotiated solution to the ongoing conflict.
Iran recently proposed a seven-day plan linked to reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The proposal included conditions involving sanctions, Iranian assets and a ceasefire.
Trump had already rejected that proposal. However, US officials have continued contacts through mediators as efforts continue to find a possible agreement.
The dispute over sanctions comes amid wider tensions between the United States and Iran. The conflict has also affected shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
The waterway is a major route for global energy supplies. Disruptions have contributed to concerns about oil markets and wider economic effects.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has issued a defiant message about the country’s position. He said US and Israeli efforts to weaken Iran had failed.
Khamenei made the remarks during events connected to Defense Week. He also referred to the anniversary of Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah’s death.
Iranian media reported that Khamenei praised Nasrallah as an important figure in the resistance front. He also discussed Iran’s strategic position around regional waterways.
The latest statements come as diplomatic contacts continue through regional mediators. Trump has denied reports of a new sanctions offer, while Iran continues to seek negotiations.
The situation remains subject to further diplomatic discussions between the two sides. Any future agreement would depend on the terms accepted by both governments.
In other news read more about: Iran to continue IAEA talks, ties progress to sanctions relief
