WANA (Aug 03) – Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson outlined the latest developments in Tehran’s diplomatic consultations, stressing that discussions between Iran and Oman regarding the Strait of Hormuz are solely bilateral talks between the two coastal states aimed at ensuring safe maritime navigation. He said issues related to Iran-US relations would be addressed at later stages and based on circumstances.
Speaking at his weekly press briefing, Esmaeil Baghaei said Iran’s talks with Oman have been pursued seriously in recent days, while Iran’s Foreign Minister has continued consultations with regional and international counterparts to prevent further escalation of insecurity and safeguard Iran’s national interests and security.
Hormuz Talks Are Between Iran and Oman, Not the US
In response to a question about the possibility of the United States returning to its commitments and the role of mediators in this regard, Baghaei said: “Our talks are with Oman, and the focus is on reaching an understanding regarding a route that would ensure safe maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.”
He added that Tehran is working with Oman to establish, at the earliest opportunity, a temporary route for the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz.
Baghaei emphasized that the talks are a bilateral dialogue between two coastal governments, adding that other countries may play either a constructive or disruptive role in the process, but the core issue remains between Iran and Oman.
He stated: “An agreement on a safe navigation route through the Strait of Hormuz is a necessary condition for reopening the strait, but it is not a sufficient condition.”
The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson said problems related to the Strait of Hormuz do not stem from disagreements between Iran and Oman, adding that issues concerning Tehran-Washington relations should be examined at later stages and according to the prevailing circumstances.
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Foreign Ministry Will Not Alter Positions to Satisfy Political Factions
Baghaei, responding to criticism of the Foreign Ministry’s positions and his own statements, said remarks made by the spokesperson do not represent a personal view but reflect the official positions of Iran’s diplomatic apparatus.
“The diplomatic apparatus and the country’s decision-makers cannot afford to engage in unrealistic portrayals of war and peace. The reality is that we have not been given a choice between war and peace,” he said.
Baghaei added that the Foreign Ministry should not change its positions to satisfy political groups, stressing that the main criteria for the ministry are Iran’s national interests and national security.
Regional Countries Should Work to Prevent Further Escalation
Regarding reports about the role of some regional countries in preventing possible attacks against Iran, Baghaei said the involvement of regional states in efforts to prevent escalation is a positive step.
Referring to the US military presence in the region, he said such a presence and the use of regional countries’ facilities have contributed to increased insecurity and instability.
“Experience has shown us that what can ultimately prevent the enemy from intensifying hostile actions against Iran is nothing but strength and deterrence capabilities,” he said.
An Iranian drone and an Iranian missile system are displayed in Azadi Square in Tehran, Iran, July 30, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)
Pakistan Is Mediator Between Iran and US; China Plays Facilitating Role
Commenting on reports about China’s mediation between Iran and the United States, Baghaei said Pakistan is the main mediator in issues related to Tehran and Washington, while Qatar also provides assistance when needed.
He added that China supports efforts to reduce tensions due to its concerns over the escalation of US unilateralism and growing insecurity in the region, but this does not mean that a new mediator has been added to the existing process.
Yemen Issue Must Be Resolved Through Dialogue
Responding to allegations that Iran has played a role in expanding regional war fronts, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson described such statements as a “distortion of realities” and said the Yemen crisis is an issue related to Yemenis themselves.
He stressed that Iran has consistently stated that the solution to the Yemen crisis must be pursued through dialogue and based on a roadmap agreed upon by the Yemeni parties.
Baghaei said: “Trying to link every issue to the war imposed on the Islamic Republic of Iran is merely an excuse to avoid accountability.”
He concluded by placing responsibility for regional developments on those who initiated the war, saying that a war cannot be started while expecting its consequences to remain limited to a single location.
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Evidence Indicates Ukraine’s Attack on Iranian Merchant Ship Was Deliberate
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson said evidence and available indications show that Ukraine’s attack on an Iranian merchant vessel in the Caspian Sea was intentional, contrary to statements by Ukrainian officials. He added that Tehran would take necessary measures to hold those responsible accountable.
Speaking at his weekly press briefing, Esmaeil Baghaei responded to a question about Iran’s latest follow-up efforts regarding the attack on the Iranian ship, saying Ukrainian officials had described the incident as unintentional during direct contacts with Iran’s Foreign Minister and in messages sent to Tehran.
“The evidence and indications are very clear, including the explicit remarks made by Ukraine’s president, and they indicate that this attack was deliberate,” Baghaei said.
He stressed that Iran is waiting to see whether Ukraine’s practical measures will support its claim that the incident was accidental, adding that Tehran would take all necessary steps to prevent the repetition of such actions and to hold Ukraine accountable.
Attacks on Qeshm, Minab and Lamerd Are Examples of War Crimes
In another part of his remarks, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson referred to US attacks on civilian areas in Iran, describing them as violations of international law and international humanitarian law.
Baghaei said the United States began its war against Iran by targeting civilian and residential locations, citing attacks on the residence of Iranian leaders, the Shajareh Tayyebeh school in Minab, and a stadium in Lamerd as examples.
He added that attacks on civilian infrastructure, including a watchtower facility in Chabahar and other civilian sites, demonstrate continued violations of international humanitarian principles.
Referring to remarks by some US officials regarding the conduct of the war, Baghaei said the international community and governments have responsibilities regarding violations of the rules of war. Under the Geneva Conventions, countries are required not only to respect humanitarian law themselves but also to ensure others adhere to these principles.
He emphasized that Iran would use all available international mechanisms to hold those responsible and those who ordered such actions accountable.
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Iran Is Not Hosting or Sending Any Negotiating Delegation in the Coming Days
Regarding reports about the possible presence of representatives from other countries for the start of Iran-US negotiations, Baghaei said no foreign delegation would visit Iran in the coming days and no Iranian delegation would travel abroad for such talks.
Referring to continued Israeli attacks against Gaza and Lebanon, he said these actions are ongoing and that the international community has so far failed to take effective measures against what he described as “an obvious genocide.”
The Foreign Ministry spokesperson stressed that the main issue in the region remains the occupation of Palestine and Israel’s aggressive actions against Lebanon, calling on regional countries and international organizations to focus their attention on the matter.
Iran-Venezuela Relations Continue Based on Mutual Respect
Regarding the future of Tehran-Caracas relations following recent remarks, Baghaei said Iran and Venezuela’s ties are based on mutual respect, shared interests, and a long history of cooperation.
He added that misunderstandings may sometimes emerge between countries, but such issues would not affect the course of bilateral relations.
People walk near a billboard depicting U.S. President Donald Trump on a building in Tehran, Iran, July 27, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)
Temporary Corridor in Strait of Hormuz Under Review
Discussing details of Iran-Oman talks over the Strait of Hormuz, Baghaei said the goal is to establish a temporary corridor for safe maritime navigation, not to create two or three separate routes.
Referring to the June 18 understanding regarding the future management of the Strait of Hormuz, he said Iran had taken steps from the beginning to implement its commitments, but according to him, the United States violated its obligations before the end of the 30-day period.
He said after the US withdrew from some of its commitments, regional conditions became more tense, prompting Tehran to work toward creating a safe passage route for commercial vessels.
Baghaei said negotiations with Oman are focused on transforming the southern route through Omani waters and the northern route through Iranian waters into a middle route that takes into account the concerns and interests of both coastal states.
He added that the route would be used temporarily until a decision is made on a permanent maritime navigation path.
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Hormuz Talks Could Help Reduce Tensions, but Conditions Must Be Assessed
Regarding whether Iran-Oman talks could be linked to other diplomatic processes, Baghaei said the current discussions are solely focused on creating a safe maritime route between the two countries.
He added that whether this process could lead to another mechanism for reducing regional tensions would require time and an assessment of future conditions.
The spokesperson stressed that any agreement between the two coastal states would take into consideration sovereignty, sovereign rights, national security, and maritime services.
Iran and Oman Advancing Talks; Countries Should Support Responsible Approach
Commenting on regional reactions to Tehran-Muscat negotiations, Baghaei said the talks have made progress and that various maps and proposals have been exchanged between the two sides in recent days.
He called on regional and non-regional countries to support Iran and Oman’s responsible approach and allow the talks to continue through a logical process.
Regarding engagement with Israel, Baghaei said experience has shown that Israel does not remain committed to its obligations and agreements, and that any interaction with it should be approached with caution and skepticism.
A billboard threatening U.S. President Donald Trump is displayed on a building in Tehran, Iran, July 18, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)
Activities Attributed to Ukraine in Iraq Are Concerning for the Region
Regarding reports of activities by groups linked to Ukraine in Iraq, Baghaei said the issue is a source of concern for regional countries.
He said a party involved in a prolonged conflict and with a history of unconventional actions to gain support should not move toward so-called “false flag operations” in another region.
The spokesperson added that Iran is in contact with Iraqi officials because insecurity in Iraq could have regional consequences.
Regional Security Is Interconnected
Regarding Iran’s consultations with regional countries, Baghaei said Tehran has always maintained contact with its neighbors and that regional states have realized security in the region is interconnected.
He added that the US military presence in the region has contributed to insecurity and instability, stressing that what ultimately guarantees countries’ security is their own capabilities and national strength.
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US Responsible for Violating Islamabad Understanding
Regarding the status of the Islamabad understanding aimed at ending the war, Baghaei said Iran has not violated the agreement and that the United States is responsible for breaching its commitments.
“We were never the party that initiated the violation of any understanding. If we use a football analogy, the ball has been in the US court for a long time,” he said.
Security of Iraq and Arbaeen Pilgrims Is Important for Iran
Regarding US and Saudi attacks on Iraq, Baghaei said Iran had condemned these actions through various channels and officially expressed its objections.
He emphasized that Iraq’s security, national sovereignty, and the safety of pilgrims during the Arbaeen period are of particular importance to Iran.
Palestinian Resistance Has No Option Other Than Resistance to Preserve Rights
Commenting on Iran’s position regarding reports about weapons held by Palestinian resistance groups, Baghaei said Israel has a record of failing to honor agreements and has used temporary understandings to continue its actions.
He added that under such circumstances, Palestinian resistance has no option other than resistance to preserve its survival and achieve its right to self-determination.
People drive near an anti-U.S. mural in Tehran, Iran, July 23, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)
Iran Welcomes Multilateral Cooperation in Artificial Intelligence
Regarding Iran’s membership in the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, Baghaei said Tehran welcomes the creation of multilateral frameworks that serve the interests of developing countries.
He added that such a framework could strengthen cooperation between Iran, China, and other member states.
Attacks on Iranian Shipping Show Continued US Confrontational Approach
The Foreign Ministry spokesperson described US actions against Iranian commercial shipping, including attacks and sanctions, as evidence of Washington’s continued confrontational policy.
Baghaei said Iran would take all necessary measures to protect its national interests.
Caspian Sea Legal Convention Can Strengthen Cooperation Among Coastal States
Regarding the process of approving the Caspian Sea Legal Convention, Baghaei said the document was approved by the government after legal and political reviews and sent to parliament.
He stressed that implementing the convention could strengthen cooperation among the five Caspian coastal states and prevent exploitation by actors outside the region.
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US Military Presence in Region Brings Nothing but Insecurity
Referring to concerns among some regional countries over the consequences of conflicts, Baghaei said Iran does not attack any country and conducts military actions only within the framework of defending its national interests.
He stressed that regional countries should not allow their territory and facilities to be used for actions against other states, adding that regional security can only be achieved through cooperation among neighboring countries.
The US Appears to Be Returning to the Era of Classical Colonialism
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, responding to remarks by the US president regarding Greenland and the possible annexation of Canada, said such statements indicate a return to patterns of classical colonialism, stressing that such approaches contradict the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter and international law.
Esmaeil Baghaei said that if the issue is analyzed as a broader pattern, “it appears that the world is moving back toward a period when certain colonial powers, relying on concepts such as the ‘White Man’s Burden,’ occupied territories and exploited the resources of other nations.”
He added that after two world wars that involved a large part of the world, the international community decided to pursue a different path, and that the UN Charter was established on the principles of rejecting colonialism, prohibiting the use of force in international relations, and respecting the sovereignty of states.
Baghaei emphasized that statements by US officials who periodically seek to incorporate other countries into their own territory, even through images or messages posted on the social media platform X, are inconsistent with the core principles of the UN Charter and established rules of international law.
The Foreign Ministry spokesperson called on UN member states to adopt a responsible stance toward such developments and voice their opposition to these approaches.