Donald Trump said Monday that the United States is in contact with a “respected” Iranian leader and claimed Tehran is seeking a deal to end the ongoing war, as he extended a deadline for potential strikes on Iran’s power plants by five days.
The announcement signalled a possible diplomatic opening in the conflict, now in its fourth week, after days of escalating threats between Washington and Tehran that raised fears of widespread disruption to energy supplies across the Gulf region.
Trump said the extension would depend on the outcome of ongoing discussions. He claimed that US envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner held talks with an Iranian leader on Sunday, though he did not identify the individual. He added that no contact had been made with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.
Iran, however, denied any negotiations. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said no talks had taken place and accused the US of spreading misinformation to influence financial and oil markets.
Trump said that any agreement could involve the US taking control of Iran’s enriched uranium, a demand Tehran has consistently rejected, maintaining that its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes.
The conflict, involving the United States and Israel against Iran and its allies, has killed more than 2,000 people and disrupted global energy markets. The Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for global oil supplies, remains central to tensions.
Regional powers have stepped up diplomatic efforts. Turkey and Egypt confirmed contacts with both sides, indicating early signs of coordinated mediation. Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi said Cairo had conveyed messages aimed at de-escalation, while Turkish officials held discussions with multiple regional and international actors.
Iran warned of retaliation if US strikes proceed. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it could target energy and infrastructure facilities linked to US interests across the region. Iranian officials also threatened action against critical installations, including desalination plants supplying drinking water in Gulf countries.
Oil prices, which had surged amid fears of disruption, fell after Trump’s remarks, reflecting market expectations of a possible easing of tensions.
Meanwhile, Israel continued airstrikes on targets in Tehran and intensified operations in Lebanon against the Iran-backed Hezbollah group. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun warned that recent attacks on infrastructure could signal a broader ground offensive.
According to official figures, more than 1,500 people have been killed in Iran and over 1,000 in Lebanon. In Israel, 15 people have died in Iranian strikes, while at least 13 US military personnel have also been killed in the conflict.