Trump claims direct talks with Iran: Is diplomacy picking up again?

President Donald Trump says the United States is “hopefully toward the end” of its war with Iran, claiming that he has directly spoken to officials in Tehran, raising the prospect of renewed diplomacy even as fighting has erupted in Yemen.However, there is still no confirmation from Tehran that direct negotiations with Washington have resumed. Just a day earlier, a senior Iranian official publicly rejected talks unless Iran’s conditions were met. Tehran, which has, in effect, closed the Strait of Hormuz, has been demanding that the US honour the terms of the deal signed in June.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Taiz camps overflow with Yemenis fleeing fighting after Houthi offensivelist 2 of 3China willing to ‘safeguard Iran’s legitimate rights’, official sayslist 3 of 3Iran war has cost the US $38bn: How will it impact US economy, politics?end of listTrump’s comments come as the conflict has expanded into Yemen, putting increasing pressure on global energy supplies amid an Iran-imposed blockade of the strait through which a fifth of global oil and gas passes. Oil prices crossed $100 per barrel last week and continue to rise as Iran-linked Houthis have damaged Saudi oil...