Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf: "Iran is not negotiating with the U.S.; false reports are manipulating the markets, the speaker said." Iran has not held negotiations with the United States, and false reports are being used to manipulate markets, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on Monday. “No negotiations have taken place with the US, and false reports are being used to manipulate financial and oil markets and to escape the quagmire in which the US and Israel are trapped,” the speaker said on the X program. Earlier that same day, Trump stated that the United States and Iran had held very positive and productive talks over the past two days and announced the postponement of U.S. attacks on Iran’s energy infrastructure. The president also expressed hope that progress would be achieved within five days, a CNBC reporter reported following an interview with the president. Iran itself, however, denies that such talks are taking place and has made it clear that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed. Officials in Tehran also view Trump’s statement as an attempt to drive down oil prices.