Iran Rules Out Direct Talks with U.S. Amid Oman Negotiations on Hormuz Shipping Lanes

Ismael Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that no direct negotiations are currently taking place between Iran and the United States. He clarified that existing communications between the two sides consist solely of message exchanges through intermediaries on current issues.

Decision-Making Oversight in Iranian Foreign Policy

Baghaei made the remarks during his weekly press briefing on Monday. He described Iran’s foreign policy decision-making process as “fully transparent” and affirmed that all negotiations conducted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs operate under the supervision of the Supreme National Security Council and in accordance with directives issued by senior authorities.

Oman Talks Focus on Finalizing Hormuz Navigation Framework

He added that decisions on future steps will be made based on prevailing conditions and forthcoming developments. At present, Iranian diplomacy is concentrating on negotiations with the Sultanate of Oman to finalize a framework governing maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.

Progress in Technical Coordination with Muscat

In this context, Baghaei disclosed that negotiations with Oman concerning vessel movement in the strait are proceeding “smoothly and constructively.” He noted that an agreement has been reached on a navigational route map, while technical consultations continue toward finalizing a joint statement.

The understandings include establishing new mechanisms to monitor maritime traffic and ensure its safety, protect the marine environment, combat maritime crime, and collect fees and dues related to maritime services provided to vessels.

Conditions for Reopening the Strait

Regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, Baghaei said its closure resulted from what he termed “American and Israeli aggression” and the use of military bases in the region against Iran.

He emphasized that dialogue with Oman is strictly bilateral and aimed at defining a safe passage for international navigation — and is not linked to political disputes between Iran and the United States.

Baghaei further asserted that, according to Tehran’s interpretation, the continuation of the U.S. naval blockade constitutes an “aggressive act,” citing United Nations General Assembly Resolution 3314. He stressed that favorable conditions for ensuring the waterway’s security cannot exist so long as “hostile actions continue.”

From Iran’s perspective, reopening the strait to maritime traffic is conditional upon halting U.S. measures deemed illegal by Tehran, lifting the naval blockade, and compensating for damages.

These statements come as Tehran and Muscat work to establish new arrangements for navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, amid ongoing disagreement between Iran and the United States over the conditions required to restore international shipping access to the waterway.