TEHRAN: Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday that ongoing indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States are primarily focused on ending regional hostilities and do not include discussions on Tehran’s nuclear program or the management of the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking during his weekly press briefing, Baghaei stated that the current diplomatic efforts are centered on achieving a ceasefire across multiple fronts in the region.
“The focus of the negotiations is on ending the war, and at this stage we are not discussing nuclear issues,” he said.
The spokesman also dismissed reports suggesting that negotiations involve proposals related to the management of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
“How this region should be managed concerns the littoral states,” Baghaei said, emphasizing that Iran and Oman are solely responsible for overseeing safe transit through the waterway.
He noted that Tehran and Muscat are working on a mechanism to ensure maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, which he described as a matter of international concern due to its importance to global energy and trade routes.
“We understand that the security of the Strait of Hormuz is a concern for the entire world,” he said, adding that Iran is not seeking to impose tolls in the waterway.
However,Baghaei said that operational services and environmental protection efforts in the region naturally involve costs.
Responding to proposals reportedly raised by Britain and France regarding the management of the Strait, the spokesman said no external country has a direct role in the area.
“No country other than Iran and Oman is present in the Strait of Hormuz. It is the responsibility of Iran and Oman to formulate the mechanism for safe transit,” he stated.
Baghaei confirmed that talks linked to a proposed 14 point memorandum of understanding would continue over the next 60 days, while stressing that the priority remains ending the conflict and lifting what Tehran describes as Washington’s “illegal naval blockade.”
He said reports circulating about the contents of the memorandum were largely speculative.
According to Baghaei, the draft understanding focuses on ending hostilities and removing restrictions affecting maritime transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
“The blockade must stop,” he said, adding that Iran would continue efforts to guarantee secure navigation through the strategic waterway.
The spokesman said negotiations facilitated through Pakistani mediation had resulted in progress on several issues but cautioned against expectations of an imminent agreement.
“It is true that we have reached understandings on many of the subjects under discussion, but no one can claim that the signing of an agreement is imminent,” he stated.
Baghaei also criticized what he described as inconsistent positions within the US administration, saying contradictory statements complicate diplomatic efforts.
He added that no specific timetable has been established for finalizing any agreement.
“What matters to us is securing national interests, and whenever we reach a result, we will announce it,” he said.
Baghaei noted that there are currently no scheduled visits between Iranian and Pakistani officials despite Islamabad’s role in facilitating communication.
He also confirmed that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had canceled a planned trip to New York due to visa related issues.
Commenting on regional tensions, Baghaei said any future agreement aimed at ending the conflict would include all fronts, including Lebanon.
He accused Israel of repeatedly attempting to undermine diplomatic initiatives and ceasefire efforts across the region through ongoing military actions and violations.
Addressing the possibility of renewed military confrontation, the spokesman warned that Iran would respond forcefully to any future attack.
He said Iran’s Armed Forces would react “with greater intensity” to any aggression or strategic miscalculation by adversaries.
