Iran condemned ceasefire discussions on Monday and mocked President Donald Trump for suggesting a halt to U.S. strikes on Iranian energy targets after what he described as “very productive” peace talks.
An Iranian official, speaking to Fars News Agency, which is closely tied to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, asserted that there is “no direct or indirect contact with Trump.”
The unidentified source further claimed that Trump retreated after realizing that Iran’s targets would encompass all power stations in the region.
Iran’s aggressive rhetoric continued, with Major General Abdollahi declaring, “The use of a new, secret weapon will begin soon and it will bring an end to the enemy’s operations.”
These remarks came shortly after Trump spoke of “productive conversations regarding a complete and total resolution of our hostilities.”
The market reacted swiftly to the news. Brent crude saw prices swing significantly, jumping from approximately $92 a barrel to nearly $103 during volatile trading. Similarly, the Dow fluctuated 700 points before opening and closed around a 1.4% increase.
On Monday morning, Trump instructed the Pentagon to “postpone any and all military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure” for a five-day period, subject to the success of ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Meanwhile, the tension escalated over the weekend when Trump threatened airstrikes on Iran’s electricity grid unless the country reopened the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. Iran dismissed the ultimatum and pledged to target water and energy facilities in the area.
🇺🇸🇮🇷 Iranian Foreign Ministry:
“We deny what US President Donald Trump said regarding negotiations taking place between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The Islamic Republic of Iran adheres to its position rejecting any type of negotiations before…
— The Daily News (@DailyNewsJustIn) March 23, 2026
In response, Iranian authorities signaled their readiness to lay naval mines in the Gulf if the U.S. moved to invade their territory or islands, highlighting Tehran’s focus on maintaining its strategic leverage.
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Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz since the conflict started has contributed to a significant global energy crisis, causing gas prices to soar to an average of $4.00 per gallon nationally, compared to $2.90 pre-conflict. The strait, which carries about one-fifth of the world’s oil, remains under threat from mines and military actions.
Previously, Trump had threatened U.S. military action to seize Kharg Island, a crucial location for Iran’s oil operations, yet Tehran has stood firm and continues to leverage its authority over Hormuz in this ongoing conflict.
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The parameters of any proposed ceasefire remain uncertain, particularly regarding Israel’s role in the talks. The U.S. and Iranian diplomats have consistently clashed over issues surrounding Tehran’s ballistic missile development, nuclear advancements, and remaining armaments, all of which loom large as the threat of war looms.
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