Trump denies he offered Iran sanctions relief, release of frozen funds

President Donald Trump firmly denied on Monday that he ever offered Iran sanctions relief or the release of frozen funds, as reported by the news outlet Axios. Axios claimed that Trump was willing to provide sanctions relief and unfreeze Iranian assets in exchange for concrete steps towards the country's nuclear program, citing unnamed US officials. The 80-year-old Republican labeled the report a "HOAX" and instructed the news site to retract it.

Tehran has no further direct talks scheduled with Washington, according to state news agency IRNA. The conflict has escalated since the US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, leading to a blockade of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, which is crucial for global oil and liquefied gas transportation. Trump has been facing declining popularity in national polls, and his party is concerned about losing their majority in Congress during the upcoming midterm elections.