President Trump calls Iran's leadership 'unbelievably duplicitous' after Tehran denies direct negotiations with the United States
President Trump stated that Iran has a "last chance" to sign a deal with the United States, describing the Iranian leadership as "unbelievably duplicitous" after Tehran denied his claim that direct talks would resume on Monday. While the administration announced that negotiations are underway, Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baqai dismissed the idea of direct communication, noting that Iran is currently engaged in "constructive" negotiations with Oman regarding the security of shipping passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that progress is being made in the Oman-Iran discussions to reopen the waterway, which has been largely closed since the start of the war in late February. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggested a deal could be reached as early as today or tomorrow, noting that Iran's military capabilities have been significantly weakened by U.S. strikes. Meanwhile, mediators from Qatar, Pakistan, and Oman continue to work toward a diplomatic resolution to avoid further escalation and facilitate a long-term goal of Iranian denuclearization.