Iran denied on Monday that it is engaged in negotiations with the United States regarding ending the war in the Middle East, despite a ceasefire signed in April and a June agreement aimed at achieving lasting peace. Although both countries resumed hostilities earlier this month before halting them late Saturday, the U.S. claims it paused attacks to open dialogue. The U.S. secretary of defense stated the conflict has already exceeded $37.5 billion in costs. The U.S. ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz, said negotiations continue, but Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baqai, denied any ongoing talks, calling U.S. claims 'fabrications.' He criticized the U.S. for acting like a 'mafia-like' group that disregards laws and norms. Iran also confirmed discussions with Oman over the management of the Strait of Hormuz, which remains closed to traffic due to the conflict.
Bias read (Center): The article presents both sides’ positions without overtly favoring one over the other. It includes direct quotes from both Iranian and U.S. officials, allowing readers to form their own conclusions. There is no evident editorializing or biased language that would indicate a clear lean toward either



