EXCLUSIVE

Dennis Rodman is NOT en route to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria to engage in peace talks ... contrary to a ridiculous report that almost seemed believable ... because ... well ... he's Rodman.

Earlier this week a story surfaced saying Rodman told was on his way to the airport to leave for the Middle East when he said, “I think if I could just talk with the leaders of ISIS they would see the errors of their ways."

But Rodman's rep says the report is total crap ... telling TMZ Sports the retired basketball player is in Hong Kong for business meetings.