The US and Iran are currently trapped in a "talking-past-each-other" situation, with Trump loudly claiming to be close to a deal and delaying strikes on one hand, while Iran firmly denies negotiations and takes a tough stance on conditions on the other. Meanwhile, the US and Israel continue striking Iranian energy facilities, creating a situation full of contradictions and uncertainty.

US-Iran "Negotiations": Each Speaking for Itself, Sharply Opposed Stances

US Side: High-profile Posturing, Claiming Deal is Close
- On March 23rd, Trump publicly stated that he had conducted "productive conversations" with Iranian officials, with key agreement points formed, and that Iran "very much wants" to reach a deal, potentially within 5 days or even sooner.
- On this basis, Trump ordered a 5-day delay in bombing Iran's power grid and energy infrastructure, conditional on success in the related discussions.
- The US also signaled that Vice President Vance, Kushner, and others might meet with Iranian officials in Islamabad this week, with Pakistan serving as intermediary.
- The White House stated that the discussions are sensitive and won't be negotiated through the media, with speculation about meetings being non-final.

Iranian Side: Complete Denial, Denouncing Fake News
- Iran's speaker Kalibaf, foreign ministry spokesman Baghaei, and multiple senior officials unanimously denied any direct or indirect negotiations with the US, calling the related reports "fake news" and "disinformation."
- Iranian senior officials clarified: Trump has no authority to set negotiation conditions or deadlines; the US and Iran only exchange messages through Egypt and Turkey to ease tensions, but the US has not accepted Iran's two core conditions—compensation for losses and acknowledgment of violations against Iran.
- Iran warned: Closing the Strait of Hormuz and laying water mines remain options for responding to potential actions; any...