Iran Denies Negotiating with US, Confirms Talks with Oman on Strait of Hormuz

A source close to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has denied reports of direct talks between Tehran and Washington, stating that negotiations are exclusively being held with Oman regarding the future arrangement of the Strait of Hormuz. The source, cited by Fars News Agency on Tuesday, added that even if an agreement is reached in Muscat, it would not be sufficient to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran considers the southern route through the strait to be illegal and unsafe, claiming it was created based on a ‘US breach of promise’ and pressure on Oman. Tehran views this alternative route as a violation of its sovereign rights and has rejected efforts by the US and regional countries to make it permanent.

According to the source, the ongoing talks between Iran and Oman aim to establish a ‘middle corridor,’ a route designed to respect Iran’s sovereign rights while considering Oman’s security factors. Iran has stressed that the Strait of Hormuz will not return to its previous status from recent months until the US ceases its aggression and Tehran’s demands are fulfilled.