Iran said it will not let the U.S. dictate the course, duration, or timing of the war, arguing that Washington is stuck in a "self-made quagmire" five months after the conflict began.
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said at a press conference on Monday that Gulf states are continuing to mediate with the U.S., but emphasized that Tehran is not engaged in direct talks with Washington despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, reported WANA Iran.
Baghaei said the country will defend its interests when necessary and pursue diplomacy when appropriate.
The Iranian official said the Strait of Hormuz remains closed and stressed that Iran's talks with Oman focus solely on bilateral relations, not on negotiations involving the U.S.
The spokesperson also warned that an alleged Ukrainian attack on an Iranian merchant vessel would not go unanswered.
