Source Denies Iran–US Talks, Claims Donald Trump Has Retreated from Threats

Mar 23, 2026 at 06:58 PM

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Lanka Leader

A senior security source has dismissed claims of ongoing talks between Iran and the United States, stating that Washington has stepped back from recent threats following Tehran’s military response.

Speaking on Monday(23), the official said that President Trump had backed off plans to target Iran’s critical infrastructure after facing what were described as credible deterrent threats from the Islamic Republic. The source added that pressure from global financial markets and concerns over Western bond stability also contributed to the shift in the US position.

According to the official, multiple mediators have conveyed messages to Tehran since the start of the conflict. However, Iran has consistently responded that it will continue its defensive operations until it secures sufficient deterrence.

The source stressed that no negotiations have taken place and none are currently underway. They further warned that amid ongoing psychological warfare, key global routes such as the Strait of Hormuz are unlikely to return to normal conditions, and energy markets will remain unstable.

The official also criticized Trump’s reported five-day ultimatum, describing it as a continuation of hostile US policies. Iran, they said, will persist with its defensive and retaliatory measures.

The remarks come after Trump claimed on social media that Washington and Tehran had held “very good and productive conversations” aimed at resolving tensions in the Middle East. He also stated that planned US military strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure had been postponed for five days, pending the outcome of these discussions.

The escalation follows a major conflict involving the US and Israel, which reportedly launched large-scale military operations against Iran after the assassination of Ali Khamenei and several senior figures on February 28.

The reported attacks included extensive airstrikes on military and civilian targets across Iran, resulting in significant casualties and infrastructure damage. In response, Iranian forces have conducted retaliatory strikes against US and Israeli positions, using missiles and drones targeting locations in the region.