Tehran says Trump made ‘false’ claims, amid peace talks
Tehran has dismissed US President Donald Trump’s recent announcements about “impending” peace deals or productive talks with Iran as “false” and “fake news,” even as both sides publicly allude to some form of negotiations. Iranian officials say Trump is exaggerating or inventing progress to calm markets and mask ongoing military and economic pressure, while also signalling that key issues—such as the closure or threat around the Strait of Hormuz—remain unresolved.
What Tehran is specifically contesting
Iranian lawmakers, including Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, have accused Trump of making “seven false claims in one hour,” denying that Tehran has agreed to suspend its nuclear programme or accept a full lifting of US‑style terms without reciprocal concessions. Ghalibaf has warned that if the US blockade on Iranian ports continues, the Strait of Hormuz “may not stay open,” using the rhetoric of economic and strategic leverage rather than signalling a soft‑bargain stance.
Trump’s narrative vs Iranian denials
Trump has repeatedly claimed that talks are “very productive” and that few “sticking points” remain, sometimes adding that Iran wants to reopen Hormuz and scale back its nuclear activities. Iranian sources, however, insist no such direct or indirect negotiations have occurred, and that Trump’s statements are aimed at stabilizing oil markets and buying time for US military posturing rather than reflecting a genuine breakthrough.
What this means for the peace process
The mismatch between Washington’s optimistic messaging and Tehran’s categorical denials highlights the fragile, highly politicised nature of the so‑called talks: both sides are signalling a desire to avoid total escalation, but publicly contradict each other on the substance and even on whether “talks” exist at all. For now, the situation remains one of competing narratives, with the risk of either a limited de‑escalation or a further flare‑up depending on whether behind‑the‑scenes channels produce a text both sides can credibly endorse.
