Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi strongly denied any flexibility on the nuclear issue, telling state news agency IRNA that Tehran had discussed proposals with Qatari mediators to present to the US. He said the conditions stressed by the Supreme Leader "must be implemented" for the Strait of Hormuz to reopen, and that Iran has presented a solution if Washington wants an agreement or a peaceful end to the war.
The denials capped a day of conflicting reports on the war, now in its seventh month. Saudi outlet Al Hadath reported Iran had agreed to suspend uranium enrichment in exchange for eased US sanctions, a claim Iranian officials called false, while a US official described mediated talks as positive and constructive and said no deal would come without addressing the nuclear issue. The reported offer echoed the June memorandum of understanding, which collapsed within weeks. Trump rejected Iran's proposal on Saturday to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days, and Brent crude settled up 0.92% at $105.28 a barrel before he posted his denial.