Hostilities resumed between Iran and the United States earlier this month after diplomatic efforts collapsed amid an impasse regarding the Strait of Hormuz. — AFP pic
Summary
Iran’s foreign ministry confirmed it is not currently negotiating with the United States, despite a temporary pause in hostilities between the two nations. Spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei dismissed claims of Iran requesting talks as American fabrications, criticizing the U.S. for its lawless behavior. Ongoing negotiations about the Strait of Hormuz, crucial for regional transit, are said to involve only Oman and Iran, independent of U.S. involvement, amid Iran’s enforcement of its control over the strategic waterway.
First Published: Monday, 27 Jul 2026 7:45 PM MYT
TEHRAN, July 27 — Iran’s foreign ministry today said it was not currently involved in negotiations with the United States, despite a halt in recent fighting between the two sides.
“Mediators may convey messages from the American side to us regarding current developments in the region. But at present, we are not engaged in any negotiations with the United States,” ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said at a weekly press briefing.
“Claims that Iran has requested negotiations are fabrications that the other side circulates from time to time,” he added.
Hostilities resumed between Iran and the United States earlier this month after diplomatic efforts collapsed amid an impasse regarding the Strait of Hormuz.
Fighting has nonetheless paused since early Saturday, following 13 days of exchanges of fire between the two sides.
Baqaei criticised the United States, saying its conduct in recent years has “resembled that of a mafia gang that adheres to no rules or laws”.
“So long as such behaviour by the United States continues, we cannot be hopeful about the emergence of a reasonable process,” he added.
Iran insists on retaining control over the management of the Strait of Hormuz, including the collection of service fees, while keeping Oman involved as a coastal state.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have turned back multiple vessels in recent days, including six earlier on Monday, that attempted to transit the strait outside the route designated by the Islamic republic.
Today, Baqaei reiterated that Washington had nothing to do with recent talks with Oman over the administration of the Strait of Hormuz.
“These talks have no connection with the United States. They are a bilateral matter between Iran and Oman, and they are continuing,” Baqaei said, adding that the waterway “remains closed”. — AFP