Trump says talks with Iran continue 'at rapid pace'

US President Donald Trump said on Monday that diplomatic exchanges with Iran are continuing "at a rapid pace," posting on his Truth Social platform as reports emerged that Tehran had suspended mediator-led contacts with Washington to protest Israeli military actions in Lebanon. The statement marked the first public acknowledgment by the US leader of ongoing negotiations since a fragile ceasefire took effect in April.

Mediator disputes

The US president's comments appeared to contradict earlier reporting from Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency, which stated that Tehran had halted exchanges with Washington through intermediaries to protest Israeli attacks in Lebanon. Trump did not specify which diplomatic channels were currently active or whether the negotiations represented direct talks between the two adversaries, according to analysts familiar with the process.

Regional conflict

Tensions between Washington and Tehran have remained elevated since the United States and Israel launched military strikes against Iran on February 28, prompting Iranian retaliation against Israeli targets and American allies in the Gulf region alongside the closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz — a vital chokepoint for global energy shipments.

A ceasefire brokered by Pakistani mediators took effect on April 8, though subsequent negotiations in Islamabad failed to produce a durable agreement to end the hostilities. More than three months into the conflict, thousands have been displaced and energy markets continue to face volatility from the blockade.