President Donald Trump stated that discussions with Iran are continuing at a rapid pace, directly contradicting reports from Iranian state media that claimed a halt in indirect message exchanges with the U.S. Amid rising tensions in the Middle East, concerns about a breakdown in negotiations have prompted Trump to address the issue.
On June 1, Trump posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, saying, "Negotiations with the Islamic Republic of Iran are continuing at a rapid pace." He added, without further elaboration, "Thank you for your interest in this matter."
Earlier, Iranian state news agency Tasnim reported that Iran had ceased indirect message exchanges with the U.S., citing Israel's military actions in Lebanon as a reason. However, there has been no official confirmation from the Iranian government regarding a suspension of communications with the U.S.
In an interview with NBC News, Trump also mentioned that he had not received any notification from Iran regarding a halt in discussions. He suggested that even if talks had temporarily paused, reducing rhetoric could be beneficial. He later reiterated on Truth Social that negotiations are ongoing.
The backdrop to the reports of halted communications is the escalation of conflict along the Lebanon front. Israel has intensified its military operations in southern Lebanon targeting Hezbollah, which Iranian media cited as a reason for the cessation of message exchanges with the U.S. As the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah escalates, it could also impact U.S.-Iran discussions.
Trump revealed that he spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the same day. He claimed that Israel decided not to send troops toward Beirut and that forces in transit were turned back. This move is interpreted as an effort to mitigate the impact of the Lebanon escalation on negotiations with Iran.
However, Trump's statements do not necessarily indicate substantial progress. It remains unclear whether Iran is still exchanging messages with the U.S. or if the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah will genuinely de-escalate. What is clear is that the U.S. has denied claims of a breakdown in negotiations.
Key issues remain unresolved, particularly concerning Iran's nuclear program and navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Tasnim reported that Iran has also mentioned the possibility of blocking the Strait. Even if discussions continue, significant negotiations over nuclear material handling and maritime issues are likely to persist.
While the U.S. emphasizes that negotiations with Iran are ongoing, there has yet to be an official confirmation from the Iranian government. The assertion that dialogue is continuing reflects the U.S. position, but the prospects for an agreement remain fluid.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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