Iran has ruled out negotiations with the United States while reaffirming its position on the Strait of Hormuz, according to remarks by Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi carried by the Iranian Students’ News Agency (ISNA).
Gharibabadi said Tehran has proposed a new navigation route for vessels entering and departing the Sultanate of Oman, stressing that Iran has no intention of violating Oman’s sovereignty.
He added that Iran has not held any negotiations with the United States under the framework of the so-called “Islamabad Understanding”, and said Tehran has no plans to seek such talks.
The Iranian official also stated that responsibility for clearing mines throughout the Strait of Hormuz rests solely with Iran. He emphasized that Tehran would continue to exercise what it described as its sovereignty over the strategic waterway and would not accept the southern shipping route under any circumstances.
Source: AFP
