US President Donald Trump has said that negotiations with Iran are underway, warning that the talks are the last chance for Tehran to secure a deal to end the months-long ongoing conflict.
In response, Iran has rejected the claims and announced that the negotiators were only engaging with Oman over the Strait of Hormuz.
While the two sides are putting contradictory claims forward, regional mediators like Qatar and Pakistan are reportedly working full-time behind the curtains, hinting that diplomatic channels are still open despite hostile posturing.
Earlier on Monday, Iran’s foreign ministry announced that the talks with Oman were heading in the right direction and that they were purely focused on the Strait of Hormuz.
Both sides have hinted at commercialising the critical waterway that would see the two countries collect taxes (tolls) from the international shipping business which was otherwise free of cost until the recent conflict.
The tensions between Washington and Tehran flared up once again after Iran rejected multiple offers and said that they were going to shut down the strait indefinitely.
While Trump has repeatedly claimed that negotiations were taking place, Iranian officials maintain that there are no direct negotiations with the US pertaining to the Strait of Hormuz at this time.
Despite what many describe as talks behind the curtains, the two sides are ready for a fresh round of escalations. Iranian officials said the country’s armed forces remain locked and loaded.
Similar statements are coming from the White House and Pentagon. US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Monday warned that US forces were prepared for action in case the ongoing negotiations break down.
Also read: Trump pauses Iran strikes for a rapid deal on Strait of Hormuz
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