Iran denies US talks, works with Oman on Hormuz 'temporary route'

Iran's Foreign Ministry on Monday firmly denied engaging in negotiations with the United States, stating instead that Tehran is coordinating with Oman to establish a temporary maritime route through the Strait of Hormuz. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei told reporters that discussions with Muscat aim to ensure safe passage through the strategic waterway amid ongoing tensions.

Temporary route with Oman

Baqaei outlined the cooperative efforts during a press briefing in Tehran, emphasizing the immediate objectives of the bilateral talks. "Our current discussions with Oman are focused on ensuring the safe passage of ships in the Strait of Hormuz," he said, according to the semi-official Fars news agency. "We are working to establish a temporary route, in cooperation with Oman, as soon as possible, so that we can ensure the safety of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz," Baqaei added.

Countering Trump's claims

The statements directly contradicted remarks by US President Donald Trump on Sunday, who said talks with Iran would begin Monday afternoon regarding Hormuz and Tehran's nuclear program. Baqaei flatly rejected such reports, stating: "We are not having negotiations with the United States." He noted that conditions in the vital chokepoint would remain unchanged while Washington maintains its aggressive posture.

Aggression as obstacle

Baqaei stressed that any improvement in maritime security depends on the cessation of American military actions. The situation "will not change as long as the United States continues its acts of aggression and its blockade," he said. The Strait of Hormuz — a critical artery for global energy shipments — has faced severe disruptions since hostilities escalated earlier this year.