Iran has firmly dismissed US President Donald Trump’s assertion that direct negotiations between Washington and Tehran would resume, insisting that no such talks are taking place. The denial comes as the US–Iran war enters its sixth month, with both sides intermittently signalling diplomatic openings while continuing military posturing.
Tehran’s Foreign Ministry clarified that its only ongoing discussions are with Oman, focused specifically on securing maritime passage through the Strait of Hormuz — a strategic chokepoint central to global oil shipments. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said Iran is “not currently negotiating with the United States”, stressing that talks with Oman aim to establish a new shipping route and reduce tensions in the waterway.
Trump had earlier claimed that negotiations would restart “on Monday” as part of efforts to end the conflict, adding that he had postponed new military strikes to give diplomacy another chance. Just days before, he warned the US could hit Iran “very hard,” even considering strikes on energy infrastructure, before later saying the “perimeters” of a possible agreement were already in place.
Iran described its discussions with Oman as constructive, expressing hope that regional and international actors would recognise Tehran’s “responsible move” and adopt a similarly constructive approach. Since the conflict began, Iran has tightened control over Hormuz, requiring vessels to obtain Iranian permission, follow designated shipping lanes, and pay service fees — measures that have heightened global concern.
Reports also note that Iran’s restrictions have become a major point of contention, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining the core issue between the two sides.