Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said that Tehran has not yet decided whether to resume negotiations with the United States.
Araghchi said mediators, including Pakistan and Qatar, are exchanging messages with Iran. However, he clarified that the exchange of messages does not mean that formal negotiations are currently taking place.
The statement comes amid continued tensions between Tehran and Washington. Both sides have been facing difficulties in efforts aimed at ending the ongoing conflict.
US President Donald Trump has also issued fresh remarks about the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. He said the United States would soon announce plans to designate the waterway as US territory.
Speaking to Fox News, Trump said Washington was preparing additional economic pressure on Iran. He said the measures were intended to force Tehran to end the war.
Trump’s comments about the Strait of Hormuz have raised concerns about a possible further escalation. The waterway is one of the world’s most important energy routes, with a significant share of global oil supplies passing through it.
Earlier, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington would introduce unprecedented sanctions and other measures against Iran. He said the new measures could be imposed as early as next week.
However, The Wall Street Journal later reported, citing a White House official, that Trump had been joking when he said the Strait of Hormuz would soon be designated as US territory.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi also responded to Trump’s remarks. He said Iran alone has the authority to decide whether the Strait of Hormuz remains open or closed.
Gharibabadi said Iran was not afraid of US threats or displays of military force. His comments reflected Tehran’s firm position amid growing tensions with Washington.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical point in the global energy market. Any disruption to shipping through the waterway could affect oil supplies and international energy prices.
Pakistan and Qatar continue to play a role in communication efforts between Iran and the United States. However, Iran has made clear that indirect message exchanges should not be interpreted as the resumption of formal talks.
The latest developments come as diplomatic efforts face uncertainty. With both sides maintaining firm positions, the possibility and timing of future negotiations remain unclear.
Also read: Trump Says Iran War May End Soon
