Iran rules out US talks until interim deal is restored, foreign minister says

Sunday 09 August 2026 - 11:15

By: Sahili Aya

Iran rules out US talks until interim deal is restored, foreign minister says

Iran has ruled out the resumption of direct negotiations with the United States while accusing Washington of violating an interim agreement reached in June, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Sunday.

Speaking from Dubai, Araqchi said Tehran and Washington were not currently engaged in negotiations. He added, however, that messages were still being transmitted between the two sides through intermediaries, leaving a channel for indirect diplomacy open despite the political deadlock.

Tehran sets conditions for renewed negotiations

Araqchi said Iran would not enter new talks with the United States until Washington complies with the commitments Tehran associates with the June interim agreement.

His remarks underline the extent of the mistrust between the two governments and suggest that any return to formal negotiations will depend first on resolving disagreements over the implementation of the existing arrangement.

The Iranian position comes as diplomatic efforts continue through third parties rather than direct contacts between Tehran and Washington.

Hormuz agreement remains unresolved

Araqchi also addressed discussions involving Iran and Oman over arrangements concerning the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most strategically important maritime routes.

According to Iran's Mehr news agency, the foreign minister said an agreement between Tehran and Muscat was in its final stages. He stressed, however, that the understanding would not immediately reopen the strait.

Under the proposed arrangement, new shipping routes would be established for vessels once other conditions are met and the waterway is reopened to traffic.

Strait of Hormuz remains central to regional tensions

The comments place the Strait of Hormuz at the centre of a broader diplomatic standoff involving Iran, the United States and regional partners.

For Tehran, reopening the waterway appears linked to the fulfilment of conditions outside the proposed shipping agreement itself. That leaves the timing of any return to normal maritime traffic uncertain.

Araqchi's comments also indicate that, despite the absence of direct US-Iran negotiations, diplomatic communication has not completely stopped. Intermediaries remain involved, potentially providing a mechanism for addressing the conditions Tehran says must be met before formal talks can resume.