Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has rejected claims of secret communications or backchannel talks with the United States. In comments to the state Tasnim news agency on Monday, IRGC spokesperson Brigadier General Hossein Mohammadi called US President Donald Trump’s assertion false. Trump had said his administration had established a direct secret channel with the IRGC.

Mohammadi said there was no communication between IRGC officials and Americans. He described Trump’s statement as fabricated and imaginary, saying it reflected delusions and nightmares arising from defeat and frustration in war. He also said the IRGC serves as the powerful arm and voice of the Iranian people and the Islamic Republic, conveying the country’s position and message on the battlefield.

The denial comes amid a continuing diplomatic impasse between the United States and Iran and rising tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. The source said talks held on Sunday and Monday made no progress. Iran has warned that it could adopt a more aggressive posture in the strait if necessary, according to the report.