TEHRAN: Iran has rejected reports of direct negotiations with the United States, saying no talks are currently taking place with Washington on any issue.
Speaking at a weekly news briefing, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said contacts regarding the Strait of Hormuz are limited to discussions with Oman and are aimed at exploring temporary arrangements to ensure safe maritime navigation through the strategic waterway.
Baghaei said any agreement with Oman on a secure shipping route would be significant but would not fundamentally change the overall situation in the Strait of Hormuz.
He also claimed that meaningful improvements would not be possible as long as what he described as the U.S. blockade remains in place.
The spokesman said the situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains unchanged and that regional consultations on the issue are continuing.
His remarks came in response to recent media reports suggesting that Iran and the United States could resume direct negotiations.
Tehran dismissed those claims, reiterating that there are currently no diplomatic contacts with Washington.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most strategically important maritime chokepoints, handling a significant share of global energy shipments, making developments in the region closely watched by international markets and governments.
More read, Trump opens door to US-Iran talks amid rising tensions
Earlier, US President Donald Trump has opened the way for talks with Iran, saying negotiations will begin Monday as Washington looks for a diplomatic solution to ease tensions and prevent further escalation in the region.
Trump said he had delayed a planned attack on Iran to give diplomacy more time, adding that he wanted to reach an agreement over Tehran’s nuclear activities and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy shipments.
