Iran Denies Talks with US Despite Trump Claims, Discusses Safe Passage via Oman

Contrary to US President Donald Trump's statements that Iran is engaging in talks with the United States, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghaei recently denied any current negotiations with the US. He clarified that Iran is only discussing a temporary safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz with Oman. Baghaei emphasized that reaching an agreement with Oman alone is insufficient to reopen the strait, stating the situation will remain unchanged as long as what he described as American "aggression" continues. He also noted that the proposed new route through the Strait of Hormuz with Oman would be a single corridor with designated entry and exit lanes.

According to reports from the Associated Press, the US and Iran are expected to focus their negotiations, as announced by President Trump, on resuming navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and lifting the US embargo on Iranian ports. The talks will also address halting all attacks in the region, including those by pro-Iranian armed groups in Iraq, and restoring uninterrupted Iranian oil exports.

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth reiterated President Trump's remarks that US forces remain on high alert and ready for action. He stressed that Trump's decision to postpone a strike on Iran did not diminish military readiness. Hegseth added that the Department of Defense is prepared at levels unseen since World War II, with the military fully ready to respond if necessary.