Iran foreign ministry: No direct dialogue with Washington ongoing

Speaking at his weekly press conference on Monday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei reaffirmed that Tehran is not engaged in any negotiations with Washington.

He said the only ongoing diplomatic discussions involve Iran and Oman, with both sides working toward a temporary arrangement to ensure the safe navigation of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. According to Baghaei, the talks are exclusively bilateral and aimed at safeguarding maritime security in the strategically important waterway.

The spokesperson emphasized that no third party is participating in the negotiations with Muscat. He added that issues related to the United States and any future commitments would be considered separately and only when circumstances allow.

Baghaei noted that Iran and Oman have intensified their diplomatic engagement over the past week, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi holding consultations with regional and international counterparts to help prevent further instability and protect Iran’s national interests.

Rejecting speculation about disagreements between Tehran and Muscat, Baghaei said recent tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz stem from what he described as US military actions and ongoing hostile policies. He maintained that the situation would remain unchanged as long as those actions continue.

Addressing reports that China has assumed a mediating role between Iran and the United States, Baghaei dismissed the claims, saying Pakistan continues to serve as the primary intermediary, with Qatar providing supportive assistance. While acknowledging China's close ties with Iran and its efforts to encourage regional stability, he said Beijing is not acting as a formal mediator.

The spokesperson also denied reports that Pakistani or Qatari officials are participating in direct negotiations between Tehran and Washington.

Commenting on the situation in Yemen, Baghaei argued that military coalitions would not resolve the conflict and called instead for regional initiatives centered on peace and collective security.

He further reiterated that Iran's military actions are defensive in nature and directed solely at locations used to launch attacks against the country. Stressing that Tehran seeks friendly relations with its neighbors, Baghaei called on regional governments to prevent their territories from being used for military operations against Iran and urged the establishment of a regional security framework to promote collective stability.