Trump claims Iran’s new leadership requested a ceasefire; Tehran denies it

WASHINGTON, United States (MNTV) – U.S. President Donald Trump said Iran’s new leadership has requested a ceasefire, describing the country’s current president as “much less radicalized and far more intelligent than his predecessors,” but warned that strikes would continue until the Strait of Hormuz is “open, free, and clear.”

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei flatly rejected the claim, saying it “does not reflect reality.” Axios, citing three U.S. officials, reported that discussions about a potential ceasefire in exchange for reopening the strait are underway, though a deal remains uncertain.

It was not specified whether talks are direct or conducted through intermediaries such as Pakistan.

Trump told NBC News earlier this week that the war was “coming to an end” and that the U.S. had achieved “total regime change,” and disclosed that Washington is in contact with Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has previously said any contacts with the U.S. do not constitute negotiations but are limited to message exchanges, either directly or through regional intermediaries.