Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, stated today that Iran is not currently holding any talks with the US. This contradicts claims made by Donald Trump on Sunday night that discussions with Iran would take place today.
Baghaei, speaking at a weekly press briefing, said there were no plans to receive or send an Iranian delegation. He added that Iran's current focus is on negotiations with Oman regarding the Strait of Hormuz, aiming to reach an understanding on a mutually acceptable route.
Separately, two tankers laden with Saudi oil reportedly crossed the Bab el-Mandeb strait over the weekend. Data collected by Reuters on Monday indicated that the Suezmax tanker Lesvos and the Very Large Crude Carrier Desh Vaibhav, each carrying 1 million barrels of Saudi crude, exited the Red Sea with their automatic identification systems (AIS) transponders switched off.
This movement occurred despite a maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia declared by the Iran-aligned Houthis on 20 July. The Houthis, who control Yemen's capital Sana'a and much of its Red Sea coastline, have since claimed responsibility for several strikes on Saudi tankers.
On Sunday, Donald Trump reportedly told reporters that he decided against ordering new strikes against Iran after being urged by Gulf allies, including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.