Iran’s military has questioned claims by President Donald Trump-led United States that talks are underway to end the ongoing conflict, suggesting Washington may be “negotiating with itself.”

The remark was made by Iranian military spokesperson Ebrahim Zolfaqari in a message aired on state television on Wednesday.

Zolfaqari, who speaks for the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, the unified command of Iran’s armed forces, criticised the US position on negotiations.

“Has the level of your internal conflicts reached the point where you are negotiating with yourselves?” he asked, adding that the “era of your promises is over.”

His comments came after US President Donald Trump said progress was being made toward a possible agreement. Trump noted that Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio were “in negotiations right now.”

However, Iranian authorities have not confirmed any direct talks, stating only that messages have been exchanged through intermediaries.

Zolfaqari also took aim at US influence, saying, “The strategic power you once boasted about has turned into a strategic defeat.” He added that energy and oil prices would remain affected until US leaders “erased” the idea of attacking Iran from their minds.

Oil prices have shown some easing in recent days following talk of possible negotiations, though they remain above pre-conflict levels.

Tribune Online reports that the development follows a claim by the US President Donald Trump that negotiation is underway in the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel and his country. However, the Iran’s Parliament Speaker, Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, ruled out any negotiations with the President Trump-led US government, insisting that Iran will not engage in talks until its objectives are fully achieved.

In a recent development, Trump said Tehran had been presented with a list of 15 conditions for peace, including a demand to abandon any plans to develop nuclear weapons. (TRIBUNE)

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