Iran Asserts Strait of Hormuz Security, Denies Direct US Talks

Iran on Monday asserted that it remains fully capable of safeguarding the Strait of Hormuz, saying there is no need for foreign intervention in the strategic waterway, while dismissing reports of imminent direct talks with the United States. Speaking at his weekly press briefing, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran was "fully aware of its responsibilities regarding the security of the Strait of Hormuz" and "sees no need for intervention by other countries", warning that outside involvement "would only complicate issues", according to Iranian state media outlet WANA. Baghaei further underlined Tehran's position, saying, "Tehran is determined to maintain its right over the management of Strait of Hormuz," Reuters said. Baghaei's remarks came after conflicting statements from Tehran and Washington over possible direct engagement between the two countries. While US President Donald Trump said Iran had requested a meeting and that delegations were expected to convene in Doha on Tuesday, Tehran denied agreeing to any talks with US officials. Iranian officials said their delegation would travel to Qatar solely to discuss the implementation of the interim agreement with Qatari mediators, without direct US involvement. "Dialogue with mediator Qatar on implementation of interim deal with U.S., including release of frozen assets, [is] likely to be on Wednesday in Doha," Baghaei said. He also stressed that "interim deal clauses need to be implemented before talks with U.S. to reach final deal can start," indicating that progress on the existing agreement is a prerequisite for any broader negotiations. On regional diplomacy, Baghaei said Iran had not received any information about a proposed dialogue forum involving Gulf Arab countries in Riyadh. He also clarified that communication between Tehran and Washington continues through political rather than military channels, according to Reuters.