President Donald Trump denied reports that he had offered Iran sanctions relief or released frozen funds to end the ongoing war, stating on Truth Social that he had offered “NOTHING.” The claim came after Axios and CNN cited unnamed U.S. officials who said Trump was willing to provide sanctions easing and fund releases if Iran made “concrete progress” on its nuclear programme.
Trump has long cited preventing Tehran from acquiring a nuclear bomb and curbing its ability to threaten neighbours as key objectives of the conflict. Iran, which denies it seeks nuclear weapons and claims a right to domestic nuclear energy, has said it is ready for talks but will not accept “bullying or coercion.” In a CBS interview, President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran was not seeking war but would defend itself against pressure, threats and attacks.
Both U.S. and Iranian officials spoke separately with mediators on Monday as part of a renewed effort to end the seven‑month war. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said the proposed deal would trigger a seven‑day countdown to reopening the Strait of Hormuz and a pause in regional fighting, but that any move would depend on meeting Iran’s conditions. Trump rejected the plan on Saturday, arguing that desperation was driving Iran’s push to open the waterway.
The war, launched by Trump and Israel in February as “Operation Epic Fury,” has killed thousands, disrupted global energy supplies and pushed oil prices higher. Iran and its allies have extended the conflict across the region, striking U.S. allies in the Gulf with drones and missiles and having Houthi forces in Yemen target Saudi interests. Saudi Arabia has been drawn deeper into the war as Houthi fighters advance, threatening Saudi oil exports through the Red Sea.
Oil prices rose for a second straight session on Tuesday as concerns over Middle East supply outweighed signs of recovering crude exports. Brent crude futures climbed $1.49 to $106.77 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude rose $1.34 to $93.94 a barrel. Both benchmarks closed the previous session nearly $1 a barrel higher.
<small>Source: Yahoo News — read the original story there.</small>