Iran on Monday denied direct talks between the United States and the Islamic Republic, stating that President Donald Trump's remarks on Monday morning referred to discussions through intermediaries and were intended to juice the stock market.

Axios reporter Barak Ravid, citing the Iranian Foreign Ministry, reported that the government in Tehran had participated in discussions through third-party nations instead. 

"The mediation is ongoing and making progress. The discussion is about ending the war and resolving all outstanding issues. We hope to have answers soon," a U.S. source said of the negotiations, which are running through Turkey, Egypt, and Pakistan.

Trump had previously threatened to target Iranian power plants, but ordered American forces to halt such a move for five days in light of what he called "very good and productive conversations."

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.