TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Iran has ruled out claims that it has sought to resume direct negotiations with the United States, while maintaining that the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, signaling that tensions in the Middle East remain high despite a pause in US military strikes.
As reported by DW, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran has not requested new talks with Washington. Although there are currently no direct negotiations between the two countries, he confirmed that messages continue to be exchanged through mediators.
The remarks came as US President Donald Trump indicated that diplomacy would be given only a limited window before military action could resume.
Speaking to Axios on Monday, Trump said he would not allow "much time" for negotiations, warning that "either it goes fast or not at all." He claimed the United States was engaged in "very deep talks with Iran," while also stressing that Washington remained prepared to launch "strong military action" if diplomatic efforts failed.
Trump's statement contrasted with Tehran's insistence that it had not initiated renewed direct talks with the United States.
Hormuz Strait Still Closed
Baghaei also said the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, keeping global attention focused on one of the world's most important energy shipping routes.
The continued closure has raised concerns over global oil supplies, although crude prices edged lower on Monday as markets responded to the temporary halt in US-Iran military strikes.
Saudi Arabia Intercepts Drones
Regional security concerns intensified after Saudi Arabia announced that it had intercepted and destroyed several drones launched from Iraq targeting oil facilities in the kingdom's Eastern Province and the capital, Riyadh.
Saudi Arabia's Defense Ministry said the drones were launched by Iran-backed armed groups operating in Iraq and were destroyed before reaching their intended targets.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry condemned the attacks and reaffirmed the kingdom's right to respond to what it described as aggression. Riyadh also urged the Iraqi government to prevent its territory from being used to launch attacks against neighboring countries.
Iraq Launches Investigation
In response, Iraq said it would investigate the reported drone launches and prosecute anyone found responsible.
Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi instructed the commander-in-chief of the armed forces to investigate Saudi Arabia's allegations.
"The Iraqi government reaffirms its constitutional and unwavering commitment to the principles of good neighborliness and to preventing Iraqi territory from being used as a route or launching point for any attack targeting brotherly or friendly countries," the prime minister's office said in a statement.
Baghdad said it would examine all available evidence and take legal action against anyone proven to have participated in the attacks.
Iraq hosts several Iran-backed Shiite armed groups, including Kata'ib Hezbollah, one of the country's most influential militias. The country shares an 800-kilometer border with Saudi Arabia, making cross-border security a persistent concern.
De-escalation Remains Uncertain
The absence of new US strikes has fueled speculation that Washington may be seeking to avoid a broader regional conflict, particularly amid concerns over military resources and the potential impact on global energy markets.
However, Trump's warning that military action could quickly resume underscores the fragile nature of the current situation.
While diplomatic channels remain open through intermediaries, Iran's refusal to seek direct talks and the continuing security incidents across the region suggest that prospects for a lasting de-escalation remain uncertain.
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