Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei denied that any direct negotiations are currently taking place with the United States, contrary to circulating reports, describing such claims as inaccurate.

During a press conference held in the Iranian capital Tehran on Monday, Baghaei held the United States fully responsible for the latest military attack against his country, accusing Washington of violating a memorandum of understanding. He said, “An understanding cannot be implemented unilaterally, and therefore Tehran halted the implementation of its commitments under the memorandum.”

Baghaei added that Washington’s conduct is based on violating laws and pursuing selective actions, stressing that the United States should have allowed Iran access to its frozen assets, “but they did not fulfill their commitments.”

The Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson said reports about a 10-day ceasefire are merely media speculation, explaining that mediators, including Pakistan and Qatar, are relaying messages between Washington and Tehran as part of a diplomatic process aimed at reaching solutions and agreements.

Baghaei said Iran is not concerned about US threats and will continue efforts to protect its national interests and defend its territory while pursuing diplomacy. He stressed that Tehran remains committed to its firm position that Washington should not be allowed to determine the timing or duration of war and peace.

The Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson also sent a message to neighboring countries, saying that Tehran has no hostility toward any country in the region, but at the same time “will not overlook the involvement of some countries in the attack against it.”

Strait of Hormuz and Its Routes

Regarding maritime security and the Strait of Hormuz, Baghaei stressed that the waterway cannot be allowed to become a tool in the hands of “aggressors” to harm Iran’s national security. He said the southern route of the Strait of Hormuz, which he said was established by the United States, is unsafe due to its geographical characteristics and violates Article Five of the memorandum of understanding.

In this context, he revealed that talks with Oman are ongoing and aim to establish a mechanism for managing safe maritime navigation in the strait, emphasizing that these negotiations are not linked to the United States.

Separately, Baghaei said Iran does not interfere in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. However, he issued a strong warning to Kyiv, describing Ukraine’s targeting of an Iranian vessel as a “dangerous adventure” that “will not go unanswered.”

He also defended Iran’s nuclear rights, stressing that any country party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons has the right to benefit from peaceful nuclear energy.

Baghaei concluded his remarks by addressing border issues, affirming the stability of the shared border with Iraq’s Kurdistan Region and describing it as secure and free from “terrorist activities.”