MFA spokesperson: Iran, US continue indirect messages through mediators

Iran and the United States are continuing to exchange messages through intermediaries, including Pakistan, Oman and Qatar, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said.

In an interview with Austrian broadcaster ORF, Baghaei said the exchanges were ongoing but argued that any dialogue required a solid foundation, which he said had been undermined by the United States, Caliber.Az reports per Iranian media. 

He also accused Washington of violating previously reached agreements, while saying Iran had fulfilled its obligations to ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

The comments came after CBS reported on July 26, citing unnamed regional officials, that the United States had suspended a series of strikes against Iran to avoid disrupting Tehran’s negotiations with Oman.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry said that several rounds of talks between Iranian and Omani deputy foreign ministers were held in Tehran on July 24 and 25. The discussions focused on general principles and practical mechanisms for ensuring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

According to the ministry, Tehran and Muscat have made progress in their discussions on shipping through the strategic waterway, although the overall situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains unchanged.

By Sabina Mammadli