Iran on Monday, August 3rd, 2026, denied President Trump's assertion that Tehran is negotiating with the U.S. administration to end the months-long conflict. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated, "We are not currently holding negotiations with the United States. Our talks are with Oman and are focused on reaching an understanding on a route that would allow shipping traffic to safely pass through the Strait of Hormuz."

Baghaei added that the goal is to establish a temporary route in cooperation with Oman to ensure the security of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. These comments followed Iran's rejection of Oman's original proposal for joint management of vessels transiting the strategic waterway.

Iran maintains control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route vital to its economic and political influence in the global energy market amid ongoing conflict. The latest ceasefire agreement broke down on July 8th, 2026.

President Trump, on Sunday, August 2nd, 2026, said he called off a "massive attack" at the request of Saudi Arabia and other Gulf allies. Despite attempts to end the conflict, Trump and his advisers have repeatedly criticized Iran, citing concerns over its nuclear ambitions.

Baghaei emphasized Iran's stance, saying, "As long as the current U.S. evil acts continue, as long as the naval blockade of Iran remains in place, as long as U.S. military aggression against Iran and its interests carries on, and as long as the United States continues the violations it has committed during this period, there will naturally be no significant development or major change in the situation in the Strait of Hormuz," reaffirming Iran's pledge not to back down.

Sources