Uncertainty grew Tuesday as the U.S. and Iran sent mixed signals over efforts to end their five-month war, while a new attack on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz underscored threats to global energy supplies.
U.S. President Donald Trump said the talks were underway Monday, warning of a "last chance" for Tehran to sign a good deal, but Iran denied that negotiations were being held or planned.
"They are going on right now," Trump told reporters at an Oval Office event when asked about the state of negotiations, saying the sides were talking at the request of Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, among others.
"This is a last chance for them (Iran) to sign a good document."
The comments followed Trump's weekend decision to call off "massive attacks" he said he had authorized on Iran, as talks were to be held, repeating a pattern in which he has vowed major strikes only to cancel them.
