Tehran has officially denied engaging in direct negotiations with Washington, directly contradicting U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement that fresh bilateral talks aimed at ending the six-month-old conflict were set to commence.
Speaking during a weekly press briefing in Tehran, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei clarified that no direct parleys are underway with American officials, emphasizing that Tehran’s diplomatic discussions are currently restricted to bilateral talks with Oman regarding navigational protocols in the Strait of Hormuz.
Key Operational Highlights
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Foreign Ministry Rebuttal: Spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei rejected Washington’s claims, stating unequivocally that Iran has not sent or scheduled any negotiating delegations to meet with U.S. representatives.
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Trump’s Prior Announcement: President Trump had stated aboard Air Force One that new negotiations would cover the Strait of Hormuz and broader nuclear issues, adding that he called off planned military strikes following appeals from regional partners—including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar.
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Strait of Hormuz Flashpoint: Iranian state officials reiterated that security protocols around the vital maritime corridor remain heightened, insisting that navigation through the strait will not return to pre-war conditions under external military pressure.
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Military Readiness Maintained: Iranian military sources dismissed claims that Tehran requested a halt to U.S. strikes, confirming that defense forces across the Persian Gulf remain on high alert.
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ U.S.–IRAN DIPLOMATIC CONTRADICTION MATRIX │
├────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ • U.S. Position : President Trump announces new bilateral talks │
│ and pauses planned military strikes. │
│ │
│ • Iranian Rebuttal : Foreign Ministry denies direct negotiations with │
│ Washington; confirms talks only with Oman. │
│ │
│ • Key Corridor : Strait of Hormuz navigation and transit rules. │
│ │
│ • Regional Status : High military alert maintained across the Gulf; │
│ Oman acting as primary intermediary channel. │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
“We Are Not Currently Negotiating With the United States”
Addressing journalists in Tehran regarding the conflicting claims coming out of Washington, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei stated:
“We are not currently negotiating with the United States. Our negotiations are with Oman to secure passage through the Strait of Hormuz.” — Esmaeil Baqaei, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman
International observers and regional energy markets continue to closely monitor the diplomatic stand-off as mediator channels through Muscat and Gulf partners attempt to de-escalate tensions.
Ayodele Quadri
Correspondent
