Iran Confirms Oman Channel, Denies Direct Talks with US

Iran said Monday it is engaged in indirect diplomacy through Oman but denied any direct engagement with the United States, even as President Donald Trump declared that nuclear negotiations between the two countries would resume. The competing claims added fresh uncertainty to one of the world's most volatile diplomatic flashpoints.

Iranian officials confirmed contact with Oman — a long-standing neutral intermediary — but insisted this does not amount to direct talks with Washington. Tehran's firm stance reflects the deep hostility that has persisted since American and Israeli military strikes against Iran in February, after which the country repeatedly threatened, and at times restricted, passage through the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz.

Strait of Hormuz Remains the Key Leverage Point

The Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one fifth of the world's seaborne oil transits, has become Iran's most powerful bargaining chip. Periodic closures or threats of closure since February have sent tremors through global energy markets. The latest diplomatic exchanges come as world powers grow increasingly anxious about long-term supply stability.

Oman has historically served as one of the most effective back channels between Iran and the West. Muscat maintains working relations with both Tehran and Washington, enabling it to facilitate sensitive communications without either side having to acknowledge direct contact. Iran's willingness to engage through this channel is regarded by some analysts as a cautious opening signal.

Washington and Tehran Offer Contradictory Accounts

President Trump stated over the weekend that talks were set to restart, framing it as a diplomatic breakthrough. Iranian authorities immediately contradicted this, accusing Washington of distorting the situation. The stark divergence in public statements underscores the profound mistrust between the two governments.

Western diplomats urged caution against interpreting either account at face value, noting that deliberate ambiguity is common in the early stages of sensitive back-channel diplomacy. Even indirect engagement, they said, represents a meaningful step given the near-total breakdown in communications following February's strikes. Gulf states and major oil consumers worldwide are watching developments with intense concern.