Iran Keeps Diplomatic Channels Open with US Amid Hormuz Strait Tensions

On July 12, 2026, Iran confirmed that communication channels with the United States remain open through intermediaries despite ongoing military tensions. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Bakaei stated that message exchanges continue and that Iran supports diplomatic solutions. These remarks were reported by Reuters.

Simultaneously, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister and head of the Center for Political and International Studies, Saeed Khatibzadeh, emphasized Iran's commitment to genuine diplomacy and fair dialogue to resolve crises. He reiterated support for political pathways but warned that Iran will not allow the US to impose what he called "hegemony" over shipping routes in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.

Khatibzadeh made these comments during a meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers and members of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia. He accused the US of attacking international law, diplomacy, and the foundational principles of the UN Charter, stating that these principles are repeatedly violated and diplomacy has become a subject of contempt.