Strait of Hormuz Won’t Return to Pre-War Levels, Iran Says US Must Lead Talks

Iran has firmly rejected claims of ongoing negotiations with the United States, insisting that no talks are underway and placing the responsibility for any diplomatic engagement squarely on Washington.

According to Iran's Foreign Ministry, there are no discussions taking place between Tehran and Washington, contradicting recent remarks by US President Donald Trump. The ministry, quoted by semi-official Mehr news agency, described Trump's statements as an attempt to lower energy prices and buy time for potential military actions.

The ministry acknowledged that regional countries have made efforts to reduce tensions, but reiterated Iran's consistent position. Officials stated that since Iran did not initiate the conflict, all diplomatic requests should be directed to the United States.

Iran Maintains Hardline Stand

Iran's stance was echoed by multiple state-linked and IRGC-affiliated outlets, reinforcing a unified message across its political and security establishment.

Tasnim news agency reported that there are no negotiations with the US, adding that conditions in the Strait of Hormuz will not return to pre-war levels. A senior Iranian security official told the outlet that Tehran has made it clear to intermediaries that it will continue to defend itself until it achieves what it calls a "necessary level of deterrence."

Similarly, IRGC-linked Fars News dismissed any suggestion of engagement with Washington. It reported that there has been "no direct or indirect contact" with Donald Trump, directly rejecting claims of constructive talks.

The report further alleged that Trump stepped back after being warned that Iran could target "all power plants in West Asia," framing the US move as a retreat under pressure.

What Trump Had Said

Earlier, Donald Trump had stated that Washington and Tehran had held "very good and productive conversations" over the past two days. He announced a five-day postponement of planned military strikes on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure, presenting it as a step towards a broader diplomatic resolution.

Trump indicated that the pause in strikes was conditional and dependent on the success of ongoing discussions, suggesting that further progress could lead to improved relations between the two sides.

Conflicting Narratives Deepen Uncertainty

The sharp contradiction between US and Iranian statements highlights the widening gap in narratives. While Washington is projecting a diplomatic opening, Tehran is denying any form of engagement and portraying the US move as a tactical retreat.

Iran's repeated emphasis that it did not start the war and that the US must act as the interlocutor underscores the deep mistrust that continues to define relations between the two countries.

Despite some indications of backchannel efforts through regional intermediaries, the absence of confirmed talks suggests that a breakthrough remains distant. Iran's warning that conditions in the Strait of Hormuz will not return to normal levels adds another layer of concern for global energy markets.

With tensions still high and both sides holding firm positions, the situation remains volatile. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether diplomatic efforts gain traction or whether the conflict moves towards further escalation.