US President Donald Trump’s claim that Washington has resumed talks with Tehran may be an attempt to calm global markets amid rising oil prices, a former senior US official has said on Tuesday.

Former US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Joel Rubin told CNN on Tuesday that he would not be surprised if the United States had been in contact with Iranian officials, but suggested the announcement could also be aimed at sending a signal to financial markets.

Rubin said the administration might not necessarily be engaged in direct negotiations, adding that the move could be intended to reassure markets and slow the surge in energy prices.

He noted that the president is aware that gas prices are increasing and that oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz are under pressure, making it necessary for the administration to take steps to ease market concerns.

Trump had earlier said that renewed discussions with Tehran began shortly after he threatened to target Iran’s energy infrastructure, before later announcing that the strikes would be postponed.

Iran has rejected the claim, with state-affiliated media quoting the foreign ministry as saying that no dialogue has taken place with Washington and describing the remarks as an attempt to reduce energy prices while buying time for possible military plans.