Tehran denies reports of Iran-US talks

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei has rejected US President Donald Trump’s claim that Tehran and Washington are close to reaching an agreement and that negotiations between the two sides would begin on Monday.

Baghaei has said Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will travel to Iraq on Monday to attend the Arbaeen pilgrimage ceremonies, but stressed that the visit is private. He added that the rest of Iran’s negotiating team remains in the country.

The Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated that the discussions between Iran and Oman over the Strait of Hormuz are bilateral talks between the two Gulf states.

Baghaei said the purpose of the talks with Oman is to ensure the security of the maritime route through the Strait of Hormuz. He added that other countries could play either a constructive or a disruptive role in the negotiation process.