Energy Secretary Chris Wright said on Thursday that there is currently no direct communication between Washington and Tehran.

“Obviously, through observation data, I’m watching what’s happening with their energy system, but no direct dialogue with them [Iranians],” Wright told Fox News.

His remarks come after US President Donald Trump claimed the war is near an end and can be resolved by Iran accepting the terms.

Ebrahim Rezaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, said on Wednesday that what was reported by Axios is nothing more than a “US wish list,” stressing that Washington will not be able to achieve through war what it failed to secure at the negotiating table.

He added that Iran remains on high alert, warning that any failure by the United States to step back or offer the necessary concessions “will be met with a harsh response from Tehran that will make them regret it.”

Wider context

Earlier the same day, Axios reported, citing two US officials and two additional sources briefed on the matter, that the White House believes it is approaching an agreement with Iran on a one-page memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the war and establishing a framework for more detailed nuclear talks.

The proposed memorandum includes provisions under which Iran would commit to a moratorium on nuclear enrichment, while the United States would agree to lift sanctions and release billions of dollars in frozen Iranian funds. Both sides would also remove restrictions affecting transit through the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, an informed source told Tasnim that Iran has not yet issued an official response to the latest US proposal, despite reports in US media suggesting that a final agreement is close.

Read more: Iran asserts control of Strait of Hormuz, launches new traffic website