Iran Foreign Ministry denies talks with US, says no meetings planned, despite Trump claims - report

What Happened

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei denied that any talks are taking place between Iran and the United States, and stated that no meetings are planned, according to a Wall Street Journal report citing him. Baghaei said all negotiators remain in Iran except Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who was visiting a religious site in Iraq. The Iranian Foreign Ministry confirmed that talks with Oman regarding the Strait of Hormuz continue, with progress made in recent days. Mediators described a proposal to create a temporary new shipping route through the strait, where vessels would transit Iranian waters and exit via Omani waters without fees, while awaiting a response from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Iran had responded favorably but later demanded the removal of oil sanctions and a guarantee against attack. Senior Arab officials also said regional states sought guarantees that Iran would not attack their territories directly or via proxies. Mediators added that Pakistan offered to host the next round of talks between Iran and the US. US President Donald Trump claimed that talks with Iran are ongoing, initiated with backing from Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar, and warned it was Iran's 'last chance' before devastating strikes.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for about one-fifth of the world's oil transit, and any disruption or re-routing proposal has significant global energy implications. The contradictory narratives between Washington and Tehran highlight the fragility of backchannel communications and the risk of miscalculation, especially given Trump's explicit military threats. Iran's linkage of Hormuz security to sanctions relief and a no-attack guarantee ties a tactical shipping arrangement to broader nuclear and sanctions negotiations, potentially complicating decades-old disputes. The involvement of multiple Gulf states and Pakistan reflects the wide regional stakes in preventing a US-Iran military escalation.

Watch For

The IRGC's response to the shipping proposal is a near-term trigger; its assent or conditions could signal whether the arrangement advances. Monitor whether Pakistan's offer to host talks materializes and whether any formal US-Iran meeting occurs. Watch for US military posturing or escalation in rhetoric, especially as Trump's 'last chance' ultimatum lacks a clear deadline but raises the stakes. Any move on sanctions relief by the US or further statements from regional Arab states about guarantees will indicate the durability of the mediation track.