The Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA – Tehran) published the following press briefing on Aug. 3, 2026.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei says continued U.S. attacks, sanctions and intimidation targeting Iranian commercial vessels show that Washington is still pursuing a policy of confrontation with Iran, describing the measures as acts of piracy.

Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, Aug. 3, Baqaei said Iran accepted responsibility under the June 18 memorandum ending the recent conflict to help manage future navigation in the strategic waterway. He said Tehran immediately began efforts to restore maritime traffic to prewar levels within a 30-day timeframe.

​According to Baqaei, those efforts were disrupted after the United States violated the agreement by launching military attacks against Iran before the deadline expired and reinstating an unlawful maritime blockade and restrictions on Iranian oil exports.

​Baqaei said negotiations have focused on replacing separate northern and southern routes with a single intermediate corridor designed to accommodate the interests and security concerns of both coastal states.

​He argued that the southern route through Omani waters, promoted by Washington after the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, contradicted the memorandum and created environmental and national security concerns. He also noted that some vessels using the route transported military equipment, contrary to the understanding that the corridor should facilitate only commercial shipping.

​The proposed interim corridor would remain in use until Iran and Oman agree on a permanent replacement for the existing international Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS).

​Responding to questions about possible transit fees and whether the negotiations could evolve into broader diplomatic engagement, Baqaei said the current talks are strictly focused on maritime navigation. He added that it remains too early to determine whether they could contribute to wider regional de-escalation.

He stressed that issues related to sovereignty, national security, sovereign rights and maritime services would be fully considered in any eventual agreement.

​Baqaei also welcomed positive reactions from some regional countries, saying Iran and Oman had exchanged maps and conducted technical reviews with relevant specialists over the past week. He urged regional and extra-regional actors to support Iran’s responsible approach and allow the negotiations to proceed constructively.

​He also expressed concern over Iraqi reports alleging that individuals linked to Ukraine had been arrested for sabotage activities targeting Iraqi oil facilities, warning that any attempt to conduct “false flag” operations in the region would threaten collective security.

​Reaffirming Iran’s close consultations with neighboring states, Baqaei said regional security is indivisible and argued that instability affecting one country inevitably impacts the entire region.

The spokesperson further said that Iran remains deeply skeptical of developments involving the Israeli regime, arguing that past experience has shown the regime has consistently failed to honor its commitments and agreements.