Iran Denies US Talks
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei firmly denied that Iran is negotiating with the United States on Monday, just hours after President Donald Trump claimed he had called off a ‘massive’ attack because Tehran wanted a deal.
“At the present time, we are not conducting any negotiations with the United States. Negotiations are taking place with the Sultanate of Oman, and are focused on reaching an understanding on a route that ensures the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz,” Baghaei said.
“We are seeking, in consultation and cooperation with Oman, to determine this route as soon as possible, provided that by its nature it is a temporary route, through which we can ensure the safety of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz,” he continued.
His remarks appeared to clash directly with Trump, who said he had cancelled the “largest attack since World War II” on Iran after appeals from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar and Iran itself.
Trump Claims Deal Chance
Trump said he wanted to give negotiations with Tehran a chance, claiming a deal over the Strait of Hormuz could open the door to a second agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme. He added that Tehran had told Washington it wanted an agreement.
Baghaei insisted Iran’s negotiating team remained inside the country, adding that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was travelling to Iraq.
“Dr Araghchi is heading to Iraq today to take part in the Arbaeen pilgrimage ceremonies, which is a personal religious trip he makes every year. I would like to stress that all members of our negotiating team are still inside Iran,” Baghaei said.
The Iranian spokesperson also accused the United States of committing ‘war crimes’ by striking residential areas in Qeshm, Minab and Lamerd, saying Tehran would use international legal channels to pursue those responsible.
Rising Regional Tensions
He claimed a bunker-buster bomb had targeted an Iranian family on Qeshm Island, calling it an example of “American attacks against civilians.”
Turning to an attack on an Iranian commercial vessel in the Caspian Sea, Baghaei said Ukrainian officials had told Tehran it was unintentional.
However, he claimed the available evidence and public remarks by Ukraine’s president pointed to a ‘deliberate attack’, adding that Iran was waiting for Kiev to take practical steps to support its account.
Baghaei also warned that Ukraine was attempting to bring ‘false flag operations’ into the region, saying the alleged tactics should alarm neighbouring countries.
Hormuz Crisis Deepens
US-Iran hostilities have surged again after Washington launched a wave of strikes on sites across Iran, with Tehran responding by targeting American bases in the region.
At the heart of the showdown is the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global energy shipments and an increasingly heated flashpoint between Washington and Tehran.
Iran International, via Viory.Video
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