Iran Rules Out Direct Talks With US, Sets Six Conditions to Reopen Strait of Hormuz

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on July 18, 2026, that there are no direct negotiations between Iran and the United States, with communication currently limited to intermediaries. Araghchi emphasized that Tehran will not return to the negotiating table under current conditions, demanding that the US cease violations of their memorandum of understanding and provide compensation before talks can resume. "As long as the US continues to breach the memorandum, there will be no talks," he said.

Araghchi also addressed ongoing discussions with Oman regarding new maritime routes through the Strait of Hormuz. He explained that the existing routes, established in 1968, will be replaced due to recent conflicts, with Iranian and Omani experts finalizing new navigation paths. Upon completion, shipping will follow these new routes.

Iran outlined six conditions for reopening the vital shipping lane, including the US changing its behavior, halting military actions against Iran and its allies in Lebanon, Palestinian territories, Yemen, and Iraq, lifting sanctions, withdrawing US forces from around Iran, paying reparations, and releasing frozen Iranian assets abroad.

These developments follow Oman’s condemnation of recent attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, calling them violations of international law and threats to regional security. The statement came after the UAE accused Iran of missile-striking an ADNOC oil tanker in the strait, and the UK Maritime Trade Operations reported a ship near Khasab, Oman, was hit by an unidentified missile, causing a fire that was later extinguished with no casualties reported.