Iran says US, Israel delaying Strait of Hormuz talks with Oman
TEHRAN, August 17. /TASS/. The negotiation process between Iran and Oman to reach an agreement on security in the Strait of Hormuz has been held up by the United States and Israel and their attempts to interfere in the process, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei said on Monday.
"The development of a roadmap for maritime navigation with Oman has been delayed due to security obstacles caused by the actions of the United States and the Zionist regime, the large number of involved parties and acts of sabotage on behalf of destructive forces," Baghaei said at a news conference.
According to the Iranian diplomat, Tehran and Muscat are working to establish a mechanism that will ensure "respect for the rights of the two coastal states and guarantee the safe passage of merchant vessels."
On August 5, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said Iran and Oman had agreed on coordinates for a new route through the Strait of Hormuz. He said the future deal would not reopen the strait immediately, as that would depend on US actions.
Iran rejects US conditions for ending conflict
TEHRAN, August 24. /TASS/. Iran has firmly stated that it will not accept the conditions set forth by the United States under the guise of ending the conflict in the Middle East. Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei emphasized that Iran rejects the demands of the aggressor in pursuit of peace.
"The Islamic Republic of Iran’s authorities at all levels remain unwavering in defending the nation and will not capitulate to the aggressor’s demands," he declared, as quoted by Tasnim News Agency.
The diplomat also pointed out that the country responsible for initiating the armed conflict should bear the consequences of its actions.
The tensions escalated after the US and Israel launched military operations against Iran on February 28. Despite a June memorandum of understanding signed by Washington and Tehran, which called for an immediate ceasefire across all fronts - including Lebanon - violations persisted. On July 8, the US resumed large-scale strikes against Iran, accusing it of breaching the agreement concerning the Strait of Hormuz. This strategic waterway is crucial, as it accounts for approximately 25% of global oil trade and around 20% of liquefied natural gas shipments.
Baghaei: Iran will not let war end on aggressors' terms
Tehran, Aug 24 Iran will not let the war end based on conditions set by the "aggressive" parties, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday.
"We have definitely not been the party to start the war, but we will not let the war's end be based on the aggressive parties' conditions," Baghaei told a weekly press conference in Tehran.
He said that Iran remained determined to defend its territory and would not "compromise with the aggressive parties" or surrender to their "excessive demands."
Baghaei dismissed US claims that the Strait of Hormuz was open and that millions of barrels of oil were passing through it each day, describing them as part of "psychological and media warfare".
He also slammed Washington's newly announced anti-Iran economic operation, saying Tehran would use all its "multilateral capacities" to counter US sanctions, which he described as a blow to free trade and national sovereignty, Xinhua News Agency reported.
The spokesman also warned that countries assisting US anti-Iran operations could face consequences, and called the US naval blockade an "act of aggression".
Asked about Western media reports that Iran could target US bases in Europe if war resumed, Baghaei said Iran reserved the right to target the origin and source of any "act of aggression" if another country allowed its bases, facilities, and equipment to be used for such actions.
A ceasefire was achieved between the warring parties on April 8. On June 18, Iran and the United States signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on ending the war on all fronts, including Lebanon. However, sporadic attacks continued by either side and the MOU was not renewed after it lapsed.
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced "the most crushing economic operation ever taken" against any country providing a lifeline to Iran, calling the move "an economic D-Day."
Iran: Countries hosting US troops are parties to conflict
TEHRAN, August 24. /TASS/. Iranian authorities consider third countries where US troops are stationed to be parties to the conflict in the Middle East, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei has said, noting that military facilities in these countries are becoming legitimate targets.
"The deployment of aggressors on the territory of another country is considered complicity in crimes against Iran. In accordance with international law, striking the source or starting point of any aggressive actions is Iran's legitimate right, and no leniency will be shown in defending the country's sovereignty," the Tasnim news agency quoted him as saying. Baghaei also expressed hope that countries providing infrastructure to US troops will take "necessary measures."
The US and Israel went to war with Iran on February 28. In June, Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities on all fronts, including in Lebanon. However, on July 8, the US resumed large-scale strikes against Iran, accusing it of violating the terms of the agreement regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Approximately 25% of global oil trade and about 20% of liquefied natural gas are transported through the Strait.