Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Monday, 17 August flatly rejected US President Donald Trump's assertion that a backchannel for talks exists between Washington and the IRGC, calling the claim a fabrication. The denial came from multiple senior Iranian officials within hours of Trump's remarks, signalling a coordinated pushback from Tehran.

IRGC Spokesperson's Denial

IRGC spokesperson Hossein Mohebbi, speaking to the semi-official Tasnim News Agency, described Trump's claim as a 'delusion,' stating categorically that no dialogue was taking place between IRGC officials and American counterparts. Mohebbi further noted that Iran's diplomatic apparatus had suspended negotiations with the United States, citing Washington's 'breach of promises' as the reason for the breakdown.

Foreign Ministry Dismisses Erbil Meeting Reports

At a separate press conference the same day, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei denied media reports of unofficial contact between Washington and the IRGC through Iraqi Kurdistan officials. He also rejected reports of an alleged secret US-Iran meeting held in Erbil. Baghaei characterised such reports as 'media techniques and psychological operations used to sow discord among Iran's decision-making bodies.'

What Trump Said

The controversy was triggered after Fox News reported that Trump had confirmed the existence of a backchannel for peace talks with the IRGC. In a telephone interview with Fox News chief foreign correspondent Trey Yingst, Trump urged Iran to raise the 'white flag of surrender' as a 60-day ceasefire understanding neared expiry. He acknowledged he was 'not in a hurry' to set a deadline for Tehran, while insisting that US naval pressure on Iran would continue.

Trump described Iranian officials as 'good poker players' but said the country was 'dying,' according to Yingst. He also issued a stark warning to Oman, which has been conducting parallel talks with Tehran over control of the Strait of Hormuz. 'If Oman gets in the way, we'll bomb the S out of them,' Trump was quoted as saying.

Broader Context and What's at Stake

The duelling statements reflect the deep mistrust that has defined US-Iran relations since Washington withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA) and reimposed sanctions. Iran's insistence that no talks are occurring — even as the US claims otherwise — follows a familiar pattern: both sides have historically used public denials to manage domestic audiences while keeping diplomatic channels open. Notably, the alleged Erbil meeting, if confirmed, would represent a significant covert diplomatic development given the current state of relations. The Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly 20% of global oil trade passes, remains a critical flashpoint, and Trump's warning to Oman adds a new and volatile dimension to an already fragile regional standoff.

What Happens Next

With the 60-day ceasefire window reportedly closing and no formal negotiations confirmed, the risk of escalation remains elevated. Regional actors — including Oman, which has historically served as a discreet intermediary between Washington and Tehran — are now directly in the crosshairs of US pressure. Analysts will be watching whether Iran's public denials hold, or whether back-channel contacts, if any, eventually surface through third-party disclosures.