Baghaei: Negotiations with Oman Are Proceeding Smoothly and Constructively
WANA (Aug 10) – Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated during his weekly press conference that discussions between Iran and Oman regarding the Strait of Hormuz were progressing smoothly and constructively.
He noted that while an understanding had been reached concerning the traffic route map, technical details regarding a joint statement were still being negotiated.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei addressed the press during his weekly conference on Monday, August 10, detailing Iran’s latest foreign policy developments.
Assessment of the Mecca Trilateral Security Accord
Responding to questions regarding the trilateral security memorandum signed in Mecca between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey, Baghaei described the initiative as a shift in regional perception.
He stated that regional nations have realized, following developments over the past few years, that security cannot be purchased from false security brokers. Baghaei reiterated Iran’s principled policy of encouraging regional states toward cooperation, mutual trust, and endogenous security without reliance on extra-regional actors.
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He added that regional states have increasingly concluded—especially following events over the past three years, including genocide in Gaza and attacks on Lebanon and other nations—that the Israeli regime remains the main threat to regional stability.
He noted that threats against regional states, including the parties to the Mecca accord, reinforce the understanding that countries cannot rely on U.S. security claims. Baghaei asserted that the U.S. itself is part of the insecurity, arguing that without U.S. political and military shielding, the Israeli regime could not act with impunity.
He emphasized that regional security is indivisible and that any initiative based on geopolitical realities and clear threat identification has a chance to bolster security.
Diplomatic Friction with Kuwait
Addressing actions by the Kuwaiti government regarding the detention of four Iranian citizens, Baghaei stated that Iran’s follow-ups remain continuous.
He expressed regret that Kuwait had denied consular access in violation of international obligations and voiced hope that Kuwaiti authorities would revise this decision and release the citizens promptly.
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Regarding the closure of the Iranian school in Kuwait, Baghaei labeled it an unjustified and politically motivated decision that penalizes innocent students.
He stated that the Iranian Embassy in Kuwait is actively pursuing the matter and urged regional states, including Kuwait, to adhere to good-neighborliness and prevent their territory and facilities from being utilized for illegal or aggressive actions against Iran.
Iran’s Position on Regional Pacts and Multilateral Frameworks
Regarding statements from Pakistani and Turkish officials inviting other regional states to join the Mecca agreement, Baghaei reiterated Iran’s commitment to security mechanisms rooted in regional cooperation free from foreign influence.
He expressed hope that regional states would draw lessons from recent years to advance collective security. When asked about a potential presidential visit to the UN General Assembly, Baghaei indicated that no final decision had been made yet and that official details would be announced in the coming weeks, depending on circumstances.
Status of Negotiations on the Strait of Hormuz
Clarifying the situation around the Strait of Hormuz, Baghaei stressed that the waterway’s closure was not caused by disagreements between Iran and Oman, but by U.S. military aggression and abuse of the passage.
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He explained that bilateral talks with Oman aim strictly at agreeing upon a safe maritime transit route. He stated that reopening the strait depends on removing the conditions imposed by U.S. aggression and its ongoing naval blockade.
He noted that as long as these violations persist, the required conditions for a safe waterway do not exist, calling on the U.S. to cease its illegal actions.
Regarding potential transit fees, Baghaei stated that specific details are not being discussed at this stage. He confirmed that talks are proceeding smoothly and constructively, with an understanding reached on the transit route map while technical points on a joint statement are still being finalized.
He added that future mechanisms will cover safe navigation monitoring, environmental protection, maritime services, and crime prevention, noting that provided services warrant corresponding compensation.
National Institutions and Legal Frameworks
In response to cultural references used in official communications, Baghaei noted that Iran utilizes its rich literary and cultural heritage in confronting adversaries. Regarding internal processes for the Omani negotiations, he confirmed that all Foreign Ministry talks operate under the oversight of the Supreme National Security Council according to higher-level directives.
A vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran, May 22, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)
He specified that current efforts remain focused on negotiations with Oman regarding vessel traffic through the strait. Baghaei elaborated that Memorandum item five clearly defines Iran’s role and future responsibility in managing the Strait of Hormuz and providing security, including necessary mine-clearing operations.
He explained that northern and southern routes would transition into a mutually agreed middle route with Oman, noting that the southern route was never authorized or safe. He attributed recent hostilities to U.S. breaches and attempts to enforce an unauthorized route. The objective of ongoing talks is a temporary middle path until a new Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) is agreed upon.
Rejection of Western Media Framing and Foreign Interventions
Commenting on foreign media coverage, including reports by The New York Times, Baghaei characterized them as attempts to misrepresent the core issues. He emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz operated safely under Iranian guardianship for decades without incident until U.S. military blockades began.
He stated that the U.S. lacks the moral and legal standing to complain about the strait while enforcing port blockades against Iran.
Regarding potential diplomatic trips to Islamabad by Foreign Minister Araghchi or Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf, Baghaei described high-level visits between neighboring states as routine, following recent visits by Iran’s ministers of industry and interior. Invitations have been received, and dates will be finalized appropriately.
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Baghaei reaffirmed that Iran does not view the Mecca accord between Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia as hostile, noting that shared cultural and religious ties remain strong and that the move reflects a regional shift toward self-reliance independent of destructive foreign influence.
Caspian Sea Legal Convention and Domestic Debates
Addressing queries on the Convention on the Legal Status of the Caspian Sea, Baghaei emphasized that media, experts, and legal scholars should engage in informed discussions based on the actual text and negotiation history rather than general assumptions. He noted that the convention does not address baseline determinations, leaving final decisions to the Iranian Parliament.
Following the accession of other littoral states, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the government concluded that submitting the framework—which includes provisions against the militarization of the Caspian Sea—is timely, while recognizing that Parliament holds the ultimate legislative authority.
Rejecting claims that the timing of the Caspian convention submission was influenced by external pressure or ongoing conflict, Baghaei stressed that Iran makes foreign policy choices independently based solely on national interests.
He explained that after seven years of review since the 2018 signing, submitting the document aligns with standard diplomatic protocol, given that all five littoral states must ratify the framework for it to take effect.
Caspian Sea map. Social media/ WANA News Agency
Incident Involving an Iranian Commercial Vessel and Ukrainian Claims
Regarding comments by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky concerning an attack on an Iranian commercial vessel, Baghaei stated that Iran issued a clear, decisive statement and remains unconvinced by Ukrainian claims that the incident was accidental.
He emphasized that while Tehran heard Kyiv’s explanation, Ukraine is expected to provide proper compensation; otherwise, Iran will take necessary measures to ensure redress.
Criticism of the International Criminal Court
In response to requests by Chad and Venezuela to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), Baghaei characterized these moves as a reflection of growing global disillusionment with international judicial mechanisms.
He argued that severe pressure and threats from the United States and its allies—particularly surrounding investigations into war crimes and genocide in occupied Palestine—have compromised the court’s impartiality. This dynamic, he added, sets back decades of international efforts to combat impunity and establishes a system of selective justice.
Countering U.S. Naval Blockades and Israeli Rhetoric
Addressing statements by Donald Trump regarding intensified sanctions and naval blockades, Baghaei asserted that a military blockade is not a diplomatic measure to be resolved through diplomatic talks alone. He stated that countering U.S. actions requires a combination of military deterrence and diplomatic action.
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He reaffirmed Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s position that current negotiations remain strictly focused on establishing a safe transit route with Oman, while fully restoring security requires an end to all U.S. violations.
Reacting to remarks by the Israeli Prime Minister regarding Iran’s nuclear program, peace proposals for Gaza, and continued military actions in Lebanon, Baghaei noted that such assertions demonstrate the unreliability of the Israeli regime regarding international commitments and agreements.
Joint MFA-Judiciary Legal Team and International Prosecution Framework
Answering a question regarding the establishment of a joint legal team between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Judiciary to prosecute crimes committed by the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran over the past year, Baghaei emphasized that the priority remains building domestic cases and issuing indictments for the perpetrators and commanders.
He explained that pursuing proceedings in domestic courts is a necessary prerequisite prior to raising issues before international courts and forums.
Baghaei highlighted that closer coordination between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Judiciary will significantly aid both in documenting violations and submitting claims to international bodies. He noted that documentation efforts are ongoing, pointing to a recent document issued by the Ministry of Health regarding the attack in Lamerd and the alleged use of prohibited weapons by the United States as a key piece of evidence.
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He confirmed that this documentation has been submitted to relevant international human rights bodies and affirmed that Iran will continue this process with determination.
Parliamentary Coordination and Transit Management Plan
Responding to a query regarding a parliamentary bill prohibiting the passage of American and Israeli vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, Baghaei dismissed claims that the move signified mistrust in the diplomatic process. He affirmed that government bodies, including the Foreign Ministry, operate in complete alignment with the Islamic Consultative Assembly (Parliament).
He explained that the initiative concerning traffic management in the Strait of Hormuz is currently under review within parliamentary committees, with the Foreign Ministry actively participating and presenting its views.
Baghaei noted that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a productive session with members of the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission earlier that morning, emphasizing that close consultation between the ministry and Parliament ensures a coordinated approach to advancing national interests.
Security Outlook with Iraq
Addressing recent regional developments and attacks by Saudi Arabia and the United States targeting Hashd al-Shaabi, Baghaei underscored the importance of maintaining a positive outlook for bilateral security relations with Iraq. He noted that continuous consultations take place between both nations regarding shared border security threats.
Baghaei stated that officials in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region have consistently assured Iran of their efforts to prevent the misuse of Iraqi territory by terrorist groups or foreign destructive actors, including the United States. He expressed optimism that cooperation would continue to expand based on the security agreement established between the two countries.
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Clarifications on the Caspian Sea Legal Convention
In response to critics alleging that the Convention on the Legal Status of the Caspian Sea was submitted to Parliament secretly or without consensus among military and security institutions, Baghaei rejected the claims as simplistic. He noted that Deputy Foreign Minister Gharibabadi recently met with media editors to provide detailed explanations, reinforcing that the submission process remains transparent.
Baghaei emphasized that public awareness and expert discussions are welcome, provided they rely on the actual text and negotiation history rather than ungrounded assumptions. He clarified that the convention does not specify baseline determinations or subsea resource percentages—matters that remain subject to separate bilateral negotiations with Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan.
He reiterated that the decision to submit the framework was made after thorough evaluation by the government and the Foreign Ministry, given that all four other littoral states have ratified the document, with Parliament holding final legislative authority.
Response to U.S. Statements on Economic Pressure
Addressing comments by the U.S. President comparing confrontation with Iran to a chess match and stating a preference for economic pressure over new military action, Baghaei remarked that whether off the radar or in plain sight, Iranians have consistently demonstrated that they are professional chess players.
