The Afghan Taliban are denying their leader Mullah Omar wrote to President Barack Obama last July.

Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid describes as ”baseless allegations” reports that Omar had sent a letter indicating an interest in talks key to ending the war in Afghanistan. Mujahid’s statement was emailed to media organisations on Saturday.

Current and former US officials told The Associated Press the letter purportedly from Omar was unsigned. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because the letter and its contents are part of sensitive diplomacy with a fighting force that still targets US troops.

Two officials said the Obama administration did not directly respond to the letter, although it has broadened contacts with Omar’s emissaries since then.