TEHRAN, Iran — Iran said Monday that it is continuing negotiations with Oman over a proposed arrangement affecting shipping through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, while firmly denying that any talks with the United States are scheduled, contradicting remarks made by President Donald Trump.
The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest energy transit routes, has remained at the center of regional tensions following months of conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. Any agreement governing navigation through the waterway could have significant implications for global oil markets and international shipping.
Iran Says Oman Talks Continue
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said discussions are taking place only with Oman and are focused on establishing a temporary safe navigation route through the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Baghaei, no negotiations are currently underway with Washington, and there are no plans for direct meetings with U.S. officials. He also said discussions with Oman alone would not fully resolve the broader dispute over maritime security in the region.
Trump Says Negotiations Are Imminent
President Trump said Sunday that negotiations with Iran would begin Monday as part of a broader effort to end the conflict and restore commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
The president suggested that diplomatic progress had prompted him to delay planned U.S. military strikes against Iran, describing the proposed agreement as an opportunity to reduce regional tensions.
Iranian officials, however, publicly rejected those statements, maintaining that no U.S.-Iran talks have been scheduled.
Strait of Hormuz Remains a Key Flashpoint
The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, making it one of the world’s most important maritime corridors for crude oil and liquefied natural gas exports.
Negotiations involving Oman have centered on maintaining safe commercial navigation after months of disruptions linked to the regional conflict. Reuters previously reported that Gulf states have backed an Omani proposal involving shipping arrangements through the waterway.
Diplomatic Uncertainty Continues
The differing accounts from Washington and Tehran underscore the uncertainty surrounding efforts to ease tensions in the Middle East.
While U.S. officials have expressed optimism about renewed diplomacy, Iran continues to insist that its current discussions are limited to Oman and that no negotiations with the United States are taking place. As a result, the prospects for a broader diplomatic breakthrough remain unclear.
