Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry of the Islamic Republic, dismissed reports that Iran had requested direct negotiations with the United States during his weekly press briefing on Monday, July 27, stating: “Requesting direct talks with the U.S. is not at all compatible with our DNA.”
He emphasized that no negotiations are currently taking place between Tehran and Washington, characterizing media reports of an Iranian initiative to negotiate as “fabrications” created by rival powers.
While maintaining that the Islamic Republic has never shied away from diplomacy to protect its national interests, Baghaei stated that as long as the U.S. continues what he termed “harassment and aggression” against Iran, Tehran’s focus remains squarely on defence. He added that while mediators may convey messages from the American side, this does not constitute negotiations between the two nations.
The Foreign Ministry spokesperson also reported the continuation of bilateral talks between Iran and Oman regarding transit management in the Strait of Hormuz, noting that several rounds of “useful and constructive” discussions took place on Friday and Saturday. According to Baghaei, the objective of these talks is to establish mechanisms for safe navigation while preserving the sovereign rights of both countries. He added that this process “has nothing to do with the United States.”
