US President Donald Trump said Washington was talking to Iran as the Treasury Department sanctioned eight Canada-based businesses accused of helping Tehran move money through cryptocurrency networks. The action was announced under Operation Economic Outcast in coordination with Canadian agencies

Iran has submitted a nuclear proposal to the US through Qatar but says negotiations will begin only after Washington meets seven demands, including lifting sanctions, unfreezing Iranian assets and paying war reparations. Tehran has also ruled out reopening the Strait of Hormuz