Iran not currently negotiating with US: FM spox

TEHRAN, Aug. 03 (MNA) - Referring to the negotiations between Tehran and Washington, the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman said, "To avoid any ambiguity, I must say that we are not currently holding any talks with the United States." Speaking at his weekly press briefing among reporters on Monday, Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei reemphasized that there is not any negotiation with the US government at the current condition. "We are not holding any negotiations with the United States at present," he said, explaining that the ongoing talks are exclusively between Iran and Oman and are focused on reaching an understanding on the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz. Baghaei said Tehran is working, in consultation with Muscat, to determine a temporary arrangement that would ensure maritime safety in the strategic waterway. Stating that there had been no third party in the talks with Oman, he noted the issues related to the United States and its implementation of commitments would be reviewed later, in accordance with the circumstances. He added that negotiations with Oman have been pursued seriously over the past week, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi being in contact with his counterparts, both in the region and beyond, with the aim of preventing the escalation of regional insecurity and ensuring Iran's national interests. Baghaei stressed that the negotiations are strictly bilateral between the two littoral states, adding that while other parties may play either a constructive or destructive role, the issue itself concerns only Iran and Oman, with any future developments to be decided later. The spokesman rejected claims that the Strait of Hormuz had been disrupted because of differences between Tehran and Muscat, saying the situation arose as a result of the US aggression that began on February 28. He added that as long as the US naval blockade and Washington's hostile actions and violations continue, no change should be expected in the status of the strait. Baghaei said Pakistan remains the mediator on issues related to Tehran and Washington, with Qatar also playing a supporting role.