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Iran has denied claims by US President Donald Trump that fresh negotiations between Washington and Tehran are set to begin, amid ongoing tensions in a conflict now entering its sixth month.
Trump said talks would start Monday and that he had delayed potential new military strikes to allow room for diplomacy. However, Iran’s foreign ministry dismissed the claim, stating that no direct negotiations with the United States are currently taking place.
“We are not negotiating with the United States at this time,” said foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei. “Our discussions are with Oman regarding safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.”
The strategic waterway remains a central point of dispute. Since the conflict began, Iran has imposed restrictions on maritime traffic, insisting on controlling shipping routes and levying fees—moves strongly opposed by Washington.
Before the conflict, vessels moved freely through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global trade corridor for energy supplies. Now, Iran requires ships to follow routes close to its coastline, further escalating tensions.
Baqaei indicated that Iran and Oman are close to reaching an understanding on managing transit routes through the strait, though he stressed that this would not mean fully reopening the passage.
Meanwhile, maritime security concerns persist. A tanker near Oman recently reported hearing an explosion, although no damage or casualties were confirmed.
Trump said any future discussions would address both navigation through Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear programme, which remains a major point of contention. Western countries accuse Iran of seeking nuclear weapons, while Tehran maintains its programme is for civilian purposes.
Despite repeated claims from Washington that a resolution is near, previous diplomatic efforts—including a ceasefire agreement last month—have failed to hold, with fighting resuming shortly after.
Analysts say the situation remains fragile, with the Strait of Hormuz emerging as the key obstacle to any lasting agreement between the two sides.