Sri Lanka, March 23 -- Iran on Monday denied holding any talks with the US, contradicting remarks by US President Donald Trump that recent "productive conversations" had taken place between the two sides.

The semi-official Mehr news agency, citing an Iranian source, said there is "no dialogue" between Tehran and Washington.

The source said Trump's comments were part of his efforts "to lower energy prices and buy time to implement military plans."

The Iranian source acknowledged that regional countries have put forward initiatives aimed at reducing tensions.

"We are not the party that started this war, and all such demands should be directed to Washington," he added.

Trump said Monday that he has ordered a 5-day postponement of all st...