Iran has stated that it is not engaged in any negotiations with the United States at this time, while emphasizing Pakistan’s ongoing pivotal role as a mediator in regional diplomatic efforts, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei announced on Monday.
During a press briefing, Baghaei refuted claims of a new mediator emerging between Tehran and Washington, affirming that no discussions with the US are underway. He reiterated that Pakistan remains the principal intermediary in matters involving Iran and the United States, supported by Türkiye and Qatar’s efforts to revive the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.
Baghaei also noted Qatar’s continued facilitation when needed, alongside China’s diplomatic influence aimed at easing regional tensions. He stressed that Iran has never withdrawn from negotiations, but meaningful progress is hindered by ongoing hostilities. He described the US campaign against Iran as effectively a conflict impacting the entire region, underscoring Tehran’s stance that the confrontation extends beyond its borders.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump had announced that talks with Iran were scheduled to begin Monday afternoon. While favoring diplomacy over military action, Trump declined to set a deadline for a deal, insisting that any agreement must guarantee the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and address Iran’s nuclear threat. Trump also revealed he postponed a planned military strike after Iran and regional countries requested additional time for negotiations.
Regarding Oman, Baghaei revealed that Tehran is working to establish a temporary maritime route through the Strait of Hormuz, describing discussions with Oman as positive. However, he cautioned that any arrangement with Oman alone would be insufficient to fully reopen the strategic waterway, emphasizing that instability will persist as long as US aggression continues.
Meanwhile, Iran intensified its diplomatic engagement on Monday. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held separate phone talks with Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan to discuss regional security and efforts to reduce tensions.
During the conversation with Field Marshal Munir, both officials exchanged views on regional developments, including the impact of ongoing US and Israeli actions against Iran. They highlighted the importance of enhancing regional cooperation and pursuing political solutions to avoid further escalation. Araghchi also spoke with Prince Faisal for the second time within 24 hours, reviewing diplomatic initiatives aimed at maintaining stability in West Asia.
Iran had previously indicated that talks with Oman concerning the Strait of Hormuz were progressing, though officials clarified these discussions are separate from any decision to reopen the strategic waterway. The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical flashpoint, as approximately 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies pass through it, and recent hostilities have heightened tensions.
Despite the diplomatic momentum, Israel has maintained that it will continue military actions if Iran resumes its nuclear program or expands its ballistic missile capabilities, regardless of any future agreements. Tehran continues to deny any intention of developing nuclear weapons.
