Iran Denies Negotiations with US, Labels Washington a 'Mafia Gang'

Iran’s Foreign Ministry has stated it is not currently involved in any negotiations with the United States, despite a halt in fighting between the two sides. ‘Mediators can convey messages from the American side to us regarding the latest developments in the region. But at present, we are not engaged in any negotiations with the United States,’ ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said during a weekly press conference. ‘Claims that Iran has requested negotiations are fabrications spread by other parties from time to time,’ he added. Fighting resumed between Iran and the United States earlier this month after diplomatic efforts failed amid a deadlock over the Strait of Hormuz. However, hostilities ceased on Saturday morning following 13 days of exchanges of fire. Baqaei criticised the United States, saying its behaviour in recent years ‘resembles a mafia gang that does not abide by any rules or laws’. ‘As long as such behaviour by the United States continues, we cannot expect the emergence of a reasonable process,’ he added. Iran insists on maintaining control over the management of the Strait of Hormuz, including the collection of service fees, while continuing to involve Oman as a state bordering the strategic waterway. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has intercepted and turned back several vessels in recent days, including six ships on Monday morning, which attempted to transit the Strait of Hormuz outside the routes designated by the Islamic Republic. Baqaei stressed that Washington has no connection to the recent talks with Oman regarding the management of the Strait of Hormuz. ‘These talks have nothing to do with the United States. This is a bilateral matter between Iran and Oman, and the discussions are ongoing,’ he said, adding that the waterway ‘remains closed’.