Iran Claims It Controls Strait of Hormuz, Has No Interest in Negotiations with 'Mafia' U.S.

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei stated on Monday that Iran maintains complete control over the Strait of Hormuz and has no intention of engaging in negotiations with the United States, which he likened to a "mafia gang." Baghaei emphasized that while mediators might relay messages from the American side, there are currently no direct talks between Iran and the U.S. He further noted that discussions involving Oman, a neighboring country, are exclusive and unrelated to U.S. involvement. These talks aim to establish protocols for managing maritime traffic through the strategic waterway, which remains closed until Tehran deems it appropriate to reopen. Over the past several months, Iran has proposed a partnership with Oman to collect payments, disguised as "fees", from international shipping passing through the strait. In June, both nations jointly announced the creation of a "Strait of Hormuz Committee," tasked with determining future shipping management, associated services, and fees aligned with international standards. Despite this collaboration, Oman has allowed ships to transit its territorial waters near the Omani coast, under the protection of U.S. forces, rather than staying on Iran’s side of the strait as required by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). This has prompted multiple missile and drone attacks by the IRGC against vessels in Omani waters, aiming to block alternative routes through the strait. Two unnamed regional officials informed the Associated Press that mediators in Qatar and Pakistan have made substantial strides in facilitating renewed talks between Iran and the United States. One official indicated that these mediators are actively working with both Iran and Oman to create a system for managing vessel passage through the Strait of Hormuz. This contradicts Baghaei’s earlier assertion that such discussions are solely between Iran and Oman. Iranian state media reported that six vessels were denied entry into the strait after attempting to navigate without prior approval, with one experiencing an accident during the reversal maneuver. These claims typically refer to ships attempting to use Omani waters instead of the designated Iranian route. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz remarked on Sunday that the temporary suspension of U.S. strikes against Iran was partly due to President Donald Trump providing "talks some space" and offering diplomacy "a little bit of room." A senior White House official confirmed that Trump has consistently favored diplomacy but has made it clear that failure to engage seriously could result in severe consequences. According to Axios, the decision to halt strikes was influenced by Oman’s recent diplomatic mission to Tehran, aimed at discussing the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. military continues its naval blockade of Iran, redirecting and boarding commercial vessels, maintaining a heightened state of readiness. Regional officials cited notable advancements in mediation efforts, describing them as "significant." They highlighted that mediators are collaborating with Iran and Oman to devise a framework for managing maritime transit through the strait, the focal point of recent hostilities. While Baghaei acknowledged that messages from the U.S. are being received, he reiterated that formal negotiations have not commenced. He outlined that Iran and Oman have already conducted discussions on managing ship traffic, emphasizing the need for mechanisms ensuring safe passage while safeguarding both nations’ sovereignty and Iran’s security interests. Nevertheless, Baghaei reaffirmed that the strait remains closed. As the 60-day period of the interim agreement, established in mid-June, enters its second phase, critical unresolved issues, particularly Iran’s nuclear program, remain unaddressed. Shipping activity through the strait has reached a three-week low, raising concerns about the stability of this vital waterway. Meanwhile, the U.S. military continues its naval operations against Iran, reinforcing its presence in the region and maintaining vigilance over maritime movements. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing diplomatic efforts and military posturing shaping the evolving dynamics of the conflict.