Iran claims that the United States (US) is ready to return to its previously agreed commitments, but insists that no formal negotiations are underway between the two countries.
The statement was made after US President Donald Trump hinted that a new agreement was close to being finalized.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibadadi said that the current path of understanding only involves Iran and Oman, without any direct negotiations with Washington.
Strait of Hormuz Understanding Becomes Focus
The development is believed to refer to the memorandum of understanding signed on June 17. Under the understanding, Iran agreed to allow commercial ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz without being charged for 60 days.
In return, the US is reported to have committed to easing sanctions on Iranian ships and implementing several other agreed commitments.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said a joint statement between Iran and Oman on the Strait of Hormuz was in the final stages of preparation, provided there was no third-party interference.
Report Claims Deal Is Almost Signed
Several media reports had previously claimed that the US, Iran and Oman were close to reaching a provisional agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Washington was also reported to be aiming for an official announcement soon.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also said that the deal could potentially be finalized in the near future, raising hopes for the restoration of the world's most important energy trade route.
However, the security situation in the region is still unstable. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Organization (UKMTO) reported receiving information about several explosions near a tanker in waters near Yemen and Oman on Wednesday, indicating that security risks in the area remain.
