Iran denies Trump claim that U.S.-Iran negotiations begin today

Iran has denied claims made by President Trump that negotiations between the US and Iran would commence on Monday. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei stated that Iran's sole ongoing negotiations are with Oman, focusing on establishing a new, temporary route through the strategic Strait of Hormuz to ensure safe maritime navigation.

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Our negotiations are with Oman and are focused on reaching an understanding on a route that will ensure the safe passage of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

"Our negotiations are with Oman and are focused on reaching an understanding on a route that will ensure the safe passage of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz," Baqaei said. He added that the goal is to determine, in consultation with Oman, a route that will likely be temporary and facilitate safe passage. The two countries have reportedly held "constructive discussions" over the past eight days regarding an agreement for a route that would include both inbound and outbound passages.

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Our goal is to determine, as soon as possible and in consultation with Oman, a route that will likely be temporary and will enable safe maritime navigation through the Strait.

This initiative comes as Iran seeks to manage passage through the vital waterway, through which approximately one-fifth of the world's oil and natural gas passed before the recent conflict. Iran insists that ships navigating the strait should use a designated route after obtaining permission and paying service fees. The spokesperson noted that the status quo in the strait "will in no way return to the status it was before February 28th," the day the war started.

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The two countries have had "constructive discussions over the past eight days regarding reaching an agreement on a new route."

In parallel, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi engaged in a second round of phone calls within 24 hours with Saudi and Pakistani leaders. According to Iran's foreign ministry, these discussions involved reviewing and exchanging views on diplomatic efforts aimed at preserving and strengthening security and stability in the West Asia region, though specific details were not provided.

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The parties reviewed and exchanged views on the latest diplomatic efforts and initiatives aimed at preserving and strengthening security and stability in the West Asia region.