Iran says it is negotiating with Oman on Strait of Hormuz, not the United States

TEHRAN, Iran — Iran is holding talks with Oman over the Strait of Hormuz and is not negotiating with the United States, a source close to the Iranian negotiating team told the Fars news agency. The source said Iran considers the southern shipping route unsafe and a threat to its sovereignty, citing what it described as Washington's violation of Article 5 of the ceasefire text and its pressure on Oman. According to the source, U.S. attempts and those of some regional partners to make the southern route permanent have been met with Iran's firm resistance, and military threats have not altered its position. Bilateral talks between Iran and Oman have been slowed by what the source described as obstruction by the United States and certain regional parties, with some American officials sending conflicting signals in recent days. The source said even a bilateral Iran-Oman agreement would not on its own restore the conditions needed for the Strait of Hormuz's security, arguing the waterway was closed because of U.S. breaches and could only return to its prior state if all needs are met and attacks on Iran cease. The strait has remained largely shut since war began in late February, and the dispute around it continues as a central point of contention. Washington maintains that the ceasefire signed with Tehran in June envisages the strait's reopening, while Tehran argues the text explicitly preserves its authority over cargo movement.