Iran has refuted claims made by former President Donald Trump regarding ongoing peace talks between Tehran and Washington. Esmaeil Baqaei, Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson, stated on August 3, 2026, that no negotiations with the U.S. are currently taking place.
Baqaei clarified that Iran is engaged in discussions with Oman concerning the management of the strategic Strait of Hormuz. "We are not currently negotiating with the United States. Our negotiations are with Oman to secure passage through the Strait of Hormuz," he said.
This statement comes after Trump claimed on August 2 that he had called off what he described as the "biggest attack since WWII" planned for Iran over the weekend. Trump stated on Air Force One that American allies in the Middle East had convinced him to stand down, suggesting a nuclear deal was close.
"I was asked to by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, by Qatar, and by Iran to hold off strikes. It would have been a massive attack," Trump said. He indicated that the allies' request was prompted by the belief that a deal was imminent. Prior to pausing the offensive, Trump had stated he was "locked and loaded" to strike Iran.
Trump asserted that a deal involving both the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's nuclear program, which he referred to as "the denuclearisation of Iran," was close to being finalized. He mentioned speaking with the Saudi Crown Prince, who also favored a negotiated settlement over military action. Trump did not provide a deadline for the deal, stating, "we'll just see how it is" and "we're ready to go any time I want."
He expressed a reluctance to engage in actions that would result in significant loss of life and voiced concerns that an attack could lead to a refugee crisis affecting allied nations. "You don't know where these attacks lead. Will they be flooded with people pouring into their country and disaster? A lot of bad things can happen."
The prospect of a de-escalation in tensions led to a drop in Brent crude oil prices by over four percent, falling to $83.33 a barrel, while U.S. and European stock futures saw an increase.
Iran has maintained control over the Strait of Hormuz since a regional conflict began on February 28, 2026. The country insists that vessels transiting the critical global energy trade route must request permission and pay service fees for designated routes.
Baqaei described the ongoing talks with Oman as "constructive" and aimed at establishing a new transit route. "We hope that both regional and extra-regional actors will appreciate this responsible move by Iran and adopt a constructive approach," he added. He reiterated Iran's stance that the situation in the Strait of Hormuz will remain unchanged as long as a U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ports persists.
