Iran 'calls Trump's bluff' as it denies negotiating with the US

US President Donald Trump said that new talks with Iran to wind down the conflict would start on August 3, after he called off planned strikes on the country. However, Iran's foreign ministry has denied that any talks are ongoing with the US. According to France 24, this is not the first time Trump has announced talks after threatening aggressive strikes on Iran, but this time Iran seems not to have given in to the strategy.

The US and Iran have had a history of tense interactions, with Trump previously threatening attacks on Iranian targets, only to call them off at the last minute. Egypt Independent reported that on several occasions, Trump had threatened strikes on Iran, only to extend ceasefires or claim that "productive conversations" had taken place.

Iran has been engaged in talks with Oman over the Strait of Hormuz, but there are no ongoing negotiations with the US, according to Middle East Eye. The development comes as Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi has held phone calls with Saudi and Pakistani leaders.

Brief written by urgent.news from France 24, Egypt Independent, CBS News, Middle East Eye, NPR — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.