Iran's Foreign Ministry on Monday pushed back against President Trump's claims that Tehran is engaged in negotiations with the United States over a long-term resolution to the ongoing conflict. Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei told reporters that Iran is not in talks with Washington, but rather with Oman, to establish a safe passage route for commercial shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
"We are not currently holding negotiations with the United States," Baghaei said during a press conference. "Our talks are with Oman and are focused on reaching an understanding on a route that would allow shipping traffic to safely pass through the Strait of Hormuz." He emphasized that the proposed route would be temporary and designed to ensure the security of vessels in the waterway.
The clarification comes after Iran rejected an earlier Omani proposal for joint management of ships transiting the strait. Tehran's control over this critical maritime chokepoint is central to its economic leverage and political influence over global energy markets, particularly amid the ongoing hostilities.
President Trump has repeatedly sought to end the conflict through diplomatic overtures, but those efforts have so far failed. Instead, his administration has resorted to broad military strikes against Iran, citing the need to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons. On Sunday, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that he had called off a "massive attack" at the request of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Iran. "They think there's a deal," he said, suggesting that a potential agreement could encompass both the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's nuclear program.
The latest ceasefire collapsed on July 8, and Trump resumed strikes after Iranian attacks on ships in the strait. Gulf nations have borne the brunt of the escalating war, as Iran-backed proxies have targeted shipping lanes in the Red Sea and elsewhere in the region.
Baghaei doubled down on Iran's stance, warning that as long as what he called "U.S. evil acts" continue—including the naval blockade and military aggression—there will be no significant change in the situation around the strait. "Naturally, there will be no significant development or major change," he said.
The dispute over negotiations highlights the deep mistrust between Washington and Tehran. While Trump has hinted at potential breakthroughs, Iran's public statements suggest that any diplomatic progress remains elusive. The ongoing tensions have also fueled concerns among Republican lawmakers about the administration's broader agenda, as some worry that the president's approach could complicate midterm prospects. Meanwhile, analysts have pointed to a pattern of shifting goalposts in Trump's claims of victory in Iran, raising questions about the credibility of his statements.
