Iran is in discussion with Oman rather than the U.S about a temporary route that would ensure safe shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday.
At a weekly press conference in Tehran, Baghaei said the waterway's closure is the consequence of U.S.-Israeli military aggression against Iran.
"There will be no substantial change in the situation in the Strait of Hormuz as long as the United States continues its malicious actions, its naval blockade, its military aggression against Iran and Iran's interests, and all the crimes it has committed during this period. Therefore, the focus of negotiations with Oman will focus on navigation through the Strait, while the relevant issues between Iran and the U.S. should be discussed in a later stage to see how the situation will develop," said Baghaei.
The spokesman denied claims of U.S.-Iran negotiations. He said all members of the Iranian delegation are currently in the country, with no plans to receive foreign delegations or send delegations abroad in the coming days.
Baghaei said that Iran harbors no hostility toward its neighbors but warned that the continued U.S. military presence in the region would fuel insecurity, division, and dispute. He called on countries in the region to establish relevant mechanisms to ensure regional security through mutual trust and constructive cooperation.
Iran in discussion with Oman on temporary route for safe shipping in Hormuz Strait: spokesman
