Iran Vigorously Denies Secret Talks Rumors, Accuses New York Times of Waging 'Psychological Warfare'

BlockBeats News, March 4th, Iran has denied reports that its intelligence service has contacted the United States to discuss ending the Middle East war. The New York Times had previously reported that Iranian operatives had indirectly contacted the Central Intelligence Agency on Sunday to discuss terms for ending the conflict. According to the semi-official Fars News Agency, a source in the Iranian intelligence service called the report "pure lying and psychological warfare."

In response to this denial, oil prices briefly rose but quickly fell back as traders turned their attention to the U.S. Navy's plan to escort tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. Since the U.S. attack on Iran on Saturday, the traffic through this key chokepoint has plummeted. In public statements, both Iran and the U.S. have vowed to continue the fight, increasing the likelihood of a protracted conflict in the Middle East. So far, the conflict has resulted in the deaths of more than 1,000 people (mostly inside Iran). (FXStreet)