President Donald Trump told Fox News on Monday that U.S. officials had a backchannel with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, while Iran’s Foreign Ministry denied the account.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei called reports of backchannel talks fabricated, according to IRNA.
The memorandum of understanding describes the ceasefire as permanent. Its initial 60-day negotiating window reached its stated end date, but the text permits an extension by mutual consent and does not say the memorandum automatically expires.
Axios reported Sunday, citing three sources with direct knowledge, that Nechirvan Barzani, president of Iraq’s Kurdistan Region, served as an intermediary.
Trump called for Iran to raise “the white flag of surrender” and said he was in no hurry to reach a deal. Asked about Oman’s role in talks over the Strait of Hormuz, Trump threatened to bomb the country if it “gets in the way” and described U.S. munitions used against Iran as “peanuts.”
On Gaza, Trump said Hamas had agreed ultimately to give up its weapons and Israel should stop its strikes. The Board of Peace roadmap says disarmament would be phased and tied to Israeli withdrawal.
Asked about Israel’s Oct. 27, 2026, election, Trump said he might endorse a candidate.
This is a developing story. Virginia Times will update as information becomes available.
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