Trump delays Iran strikes as Tehran denies 'productive' talks

US President Donald Trump said on Monday he has instructed the US military to postpone strikes against Iranian power plants and energy facilities for five days following what he described as "very good and productive" talks with Iran.

Later, Iran's Fars news agency, citing a source, said there are no direct or indirect communications with the United States, despite Trump's statement about "productive" talks with Tehran.

Fars also said Trump backed down on targeting Iranian power plants after Iran warned it would strike power plants across West Asia in response.

Despite Iran's denials, Trump insisted that Iran badly wanted to make a deal, which could come within five days or less, quoted by the host of the "Mornings with Maria" program.

Trump also told the Fox Business Network that the most recent talks between US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner and their counterparts took place on Sunday night.

An Axios reporter posting on X said senior officials from Turkey, Egypt and Pakistan held separate talks with Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The reporter added that Turkey, Egypt and Pakistan have been passing messages between the US and Iran over the past two days in an effort to de-escalate.

(With input from agencies)