Iran says it is exchanging messages with the United States

WASHINGTON, United States — Iran's Foreign Ministry said it is exchanging messages with the United States, even as relations between Washington and Tehran have entered a new escalation marked by a halt in dialogue, a rise in mutual accusations and renewed talk of military operations. The two sides are advancing competing conditions linked to their dispute over the Strait of Hormuz and freedom of navigation, a standoff the ministry said has disrupted diplomatic efforts and pushed tensions higher. Communication between the two countries is being routed through intermediary states, according to the ministry, a channel that indicates both sides are continuing to rely on indirect contacts rather than direct talks. Iran's statement points to a diplomatic track that remains formally open but offers limited prospect of near-term progress, with each side publicly holding to its own preconditions on the Hormuz dispute. No further details on the content of the messages or the identities of the intermediary governments were immediately provided.