Iran’s Foreign Ministry denies that negotiations with the United States are underway, after President Donald Trump announces that talks are expected to begin Monday. The Iranian denial comes in response to Trump’s statement that he has paused new strikes against Iran to create space for further diplomacy. Multiple outlets describe this as part of a recurring pattern in the conflict between the two countries, in which announcements of diplomatic steps are accompanied by decisions to adjust military action. Both reports note that the dispute between Iran and the United States has been ongoing for roughly six months. Iran’s rejection is focused on the timing and substance of any talks, asserting that there is no negotiation activity despite the U.S. president’s public announcement. The reporting indicates that the next phase of the confrontation is framed by competing positions: the U.S. side presents an opening for talks, while Iran insists that any negotiations have not started. The two sides’ claims highlight continued uncertainty over whether direct discussions are actually in motion.