In a pattern that has repeated for months, Iran has once again denied that any negotiations are taking place after President Donald Trump canceled planned strikes against the regime at the last minute. The Times of Israel reports that Trump described the canceled operation as “the largest attack since World War II,” while Iran continues to explore its own options for enforcing control over the Strait of Hormuz. After the cancellations were announced last night, Iran targeted a vessel in the Strait, with an incident reported near Oman.
“Now what we’re doing is talking to them, in the form of a negotiation. It begins tomorrow afternoon,” Trump claimed, without providing further details or saying who would be involved in the talks.
But Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei on Monday rejected the claim, saying no negotiations with the US were taking place and no meetings were scheduled.
Iran had no plans to host foreign delegations or send negotiators abroad in the coming days, he said. Tehran has publicly rejected negotiations with Washington since a June memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the conflict collapsed in early July.
No deaths or injuries were reported aboard the vessel targeted last night near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz. The incident was reported by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, indicating that the vessel may have been British.
Meanwhile, as the roadmap for Gaza has been presented, Israel has expressed doubt that Hamas will fully honor its commitment to disarm. One official in Jerusalem said the IDF would not withdraw from its current positions on the Strip and would continue operating against any threats to civilians and soldiers.
Time and experience suggest this may be another pause before strikes resume, but we continue to pray that this time will be different and that God will keep His people and those who defend them under His protection.