Tehran Says Negotiations Are Strictly Bilateral
Iran has denied any American involvement in its latest discussions with Oman over the Strait of Hormuz.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said the negotiations were strictly bilateral.
He said the talks had no connection with the United States and would continue directly between Tehran and Muscat.
Baqaei also said there had been no change in the waterway’s status.
According to Iran, the strategic shipping route remains closed under Tehran’s existing restrictions.
Iran has also denied seeking the resumption of direct negotiations with Washington.
The statement comes despite wider diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions between Iran and the United States.
Iranian and Omani deputy foreign ministers held several rounds of talks on Friday and Saturday.
The discussions focused on common principles and operational arrangements for maritime traffic.
Both sides are exploring a mechanism that could ensure safer shipping while recognising their rights as coastal states.
Iran and Oman previously agreed to continue negotiations through a joint working group.
Those discussions include navigation management, maritime services and possible operating costs.
Iran Maintains Control Over Strategic Shipping Route
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important energy corridors.
It normally carries around one-fifth of global oil supplies.
Any prolonged disruption can affect international energy prices, shipping costs and fuel supplies.
Iran insists that it must retain control over the administration of the strait.
Tehran also wants the authority to collect service fees from vessels using designated routes.
The United States opposes restrictions that could prevent the free movement of international commercial shipping.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have continued enforcing navigation rules in the area.
Iranian authorities said six vessels were turned back on Monday after attempting to cross outside routes approved by Tehran.
The identities and destinations of those vessels were not immediately disclosed.
Iran has repeatedly warned ships to follow its instructions before entering or leaving the waterway.
Commercial traffic through the strait has fallen significantly during the conflict.
Shipping companies remain cautious because of military activity, vessel interceptions and uncertainty over future access.
Military Pause Fails to Produce Formal US-Iran Talks
Iran’s latest statement comes after both Tehran and Washington temporarily paused military attacks.
The United States halted a bombing campaign after 13 consecutive nights of strikes.
Iran also suspended retaliatory operations while warning that attacks could resume if Washington restarted its campaign.
However, the pause has not produced a formal ceasefire or confirmed direct negotiations.
Iran says it has not asked to reopen talks with the United States.
Mediators are still working to prevent another round of hostilities.
Baqaei strongly criticised Washington’s conduct during his weekly press briefing.
He accused the United States of repeatedly abandoning diplomatic commitments.
He said American behaviour had undermined hopes for a reasonable political process.
Iran continues to argue that Washington cannot be trusted without clear guarantees.
The collapse of an earlier memorandum between the two countries contributed to renewed military exchanges and greater disruption in the Strait of Hormuz.
Oman has traditionally served as an important intermediary between Iran and Western governments.
However, Tehran insists the latest Hormuz discussions are separate from any American diplomatic channel.
A final agreement between Iran and Oman has not yet been announced.
The future of international shipping remains uncertain while the waterway stays restricted and the military pause remains fragile.
