TEHRAN: Iran’s foreign ministry said Monday there were currently no negotiations with the United States, but talks were taking place with Oman on management of the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
“We are not currently negotiating with the United States. Our negotiations are with Oman to secure passage through the Strait of Hormuz,” said ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei during a weekly press briefing.
The ministry’s statement came hours after Trump said Washington would resume negotiations with Tehran on Monday after calling off what he described as a planned large-scale military strike, saying regional allies believed a diplomatic breakthrough was within reach.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump said talks with Iran would begin on Monday afternoon but did not disclose the venue or participants.
It has insisted that ships transiting the waterway, which is crucial for the global energy trade, should use a route designated by Iran after requesting permission and paying service fees.
Baqaei described the talks with Oman as “constructive”, saying they were aimed at reaching an agreement on a new route.
“We hope that both regional and extra-regional actors will appreciate this responsible move by Iran and adopt a constructive approach,” he added.
He maintained Iran’s position that as long as a US naval blockade on Iranian ports continues, “the situation in the Strait of Hormuz will remain unchanged”.
