Iran has dismissed President Donald Trump’s claim that fresh negotiations with the United States are underway, insisting there are currently no direct talks between Washington and Tehran despite renewed speculation over a possible diplomatic breakthrough.
Speaking during a weekly press briefing, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Tehran’s immediate diplomatic efforts are focused on reaching an agreement with Oman over navigation through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
“We are not currently negotiating with the United States. Our negotiations are with Oman to secure passage through the Strait of Hormuz,” Baqaei said.
His remarks came after Trump announced that new talks with Iran would begin on Monday as part of efforts to end the conflict that has entered its sixth month. The US president also revealed that he had postponed plans for fresh military strikes on Iran to give diplomacy another chance.
Washington and Tehran have remained locked in conflict since February 28, when the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iranian targets. Although intermittent diplomatic contacts have produced brief periods of reduced tensions, the war has continued.
Just last week, Trump warned that Iran could face another round of heavy US strikes, with reports suggesting potential attacks on key energy infrastructure were under consideration. However, he later softened his stance, saying the “parameters” of a possible agreement were already in place.
One of the biggest obstacles to ending the conflict remains the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route through which a significant share of the world’s oil supplies passes.
Iran has tightened its control over the waterway during the conflict, obstructing commercial vessels and insisting on regulating passage through the strait. Tehran now seeks to retain control of the route and impose transit fees, a position the United States has rejected.
Iran has also opposed alternative shipping lanes, insisting that vessels use routes close to its coastline.
Providing an update on discussions with Oman, Baqaei said both countries were close to reaching a mutually acceptable arrangement for managing navigation through the narrow waterway.
“We are now going to reach an understanding on a route acceptable to both sides, neither the northern route nor the southern route but one that respects the sovereign rights of both sides and safeguards our national interests and security,” he said.
The outcome of the Oman talks is expected to play a key role in determining whether diplomatic efforts can help ease tensions in one of the world’s most strategically important maritime corridors.
