Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, has reiterated that Tehran remains firmly in control of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea. This stance is in response to President Donald Trump’s decision to pause US attacks on Iran over the weekend.
The move comes as tensions between the two nations continue to escalate following a series of missile tests by Iranian forces in the region. The Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea, has been a focal point for naval and diplomatic activity in recent months.
In a statement released on Monday, Baghaei emphasized that Iran’s sovereignty over the strait is not up for negotiation. “We will continue to defend our territorial waters and ensure the free flow of maritime traffic,” he said.
The pause in US attacks has sparked concerns among regional powers, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which have been critical of Trump’s decision. The UAE has stated that it is willing to work with Iran to resolve outstanding issues related to oil production and trade.
However, Iranian officials remain committed to their stance on not engaging in negotiations with the US until further notice. “We will continue to maintain our position and defend our interests,” Baghaei said.
The pause in US attacks has also raised concerns about potential escalations in the region. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global oil supplies, and any disruption could have far-reaching consequences for energy markets around the world.
Iran’s decision to remain firm on its stance comes after months of diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving outstanding issues between Iran and the US. However, these talks have been stalled due to disagreements over key issues such as sanctions relief and nuclear program restrictions.
The situation remains fluid, with both sides continuing to engage in high-level diplomacy. The international community is closely watching developments in the region, particularly given the potential implications for global energy markets.
As tensions continue to simmer, it remains unclear when or if negotiations will resume between Iran and the US. For now, Iranian officials remain resolute on their stance, emphasizing that they will not engage in any further talks until further notice.
Source: Al Jazeera
Based on reporting from Al Jazeera.
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