Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei stated on 3/8 that Tehran is not negotiating with the US. Instead, discussions are ongoing with Oman to secure transit rights through the Strait of Hormuz. Baqaei confirmed that Iran and Oman have held talks "over the past seven to eight days" to establish a temporary safe route through the strategic waterway, noting some progress.

However, Baqaei emphasized that an agreement with Oman on this route alone would not suffice to fully reopen the strait. He called for an immediate end to US attacks targeting Iran, stating that the conflict instigated by the US and Israel "is not just a war targeting a single nation". He added, "It is a war against the entire region and threatens the security of all nations there."

Iran foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei at a press conference in Tehran in 12/2025. Photo: AFP

These statements from Iran directly counter earlier remarks by US President Donald Trump. Trump had indicated that new negotiation rounds between Washington and Tehran were imminent, asserting that agreements on the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's nuclear program would be reached. However, he did not provide specific details regarding the location or participants of these purported talks.

On the evening of 1/8, President Trump announced that the US military was "locked and loaded," preparing for an unprecedented attack on Iran. Yet, he simultaneously claimed that Tehran and other Middle Eastern countries had asked Washington to postpone any attack, allowing more time to achieve a "complete deal."

Iranian media on 2/8 swiftly rejected Trump's assertion that Tehran had requested a halt to airstrikes. Instead, they maintained that it was the US President who needed to de-escalate the situation and back down.

Ngoc Anh (According to AFP, AP)