• Iran’s deputy foreign minister confirms no direct U.S. talks in recent days.
  • Tehran explores Oman-mediated route for Strait of Hormuz safe passage.
  • Stance complicates U.S.-Iran diplomacy and adds risk premium to oil markets.

Iran’s deputy foreign minister said on [day] that there have been no direct talks with the United States in recent days, contradicting speculation of back-channel negotiations. Instead, Tehran is pursuing a separate channel with Oman to secure a temporary safe route through the Strait of Hormuz, a move that underscores its insistence on indirect diplomacy and regional mediation.

The denial aligns with Tehran’s repeated stance that it will not engage in direct negotiations under current conditions—a position that has heightened tensions with Washington and added uncertainty to global energy markets. The Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of global oil passes, remains a flashpoint; any disruption to shipping would immediately impact oil prices and risk premiums across Middle Eastern assets.

Efforts to establish a secure passage via Oman signal Iran’s willingness to engage in intermediary-based diplomacy while maintaining sovereign control over its territorial waters. "We have no direct talks with the U.S., but we are exploring a temporary arrangement through Omani mediation to ensure the safety of navigation in the Strait," the deputy foreign minister said, according to people familiar with the matter. Repeated attempts to reach the U.S. State Department for comment were unsuccessful.

The announcement comes amid heightened military posturing in the region, with both sides conducting drills and increasing naval presence. Iran’s move may be an attempt to de-escalate while preserving its negotiating leverage, but analysts note that the lack of direct communication leaves a significant gap in crisis management.

"The core issue remains: without direct talks, any miscalculation could escalate quickly," said [analyst name], a Middle East expert at [think tank]. "Oman’s role is crucial as a neutral intermediary, but it’s not a substitute for direct engagement."

Market reaction was muted initially, with Brent crude hovering around $[price] a barrel, but traders remain wary of potential supply disruptions. "The risk premium is still there," said [energy analyst]. "Any news of a blockage in Hormuz would send prices spiking."

Iran has historically used the strait as a lever in negotiations, threatening to close it during past crises. However, its current reliance on Oman suggests a preference for diplomatic channels rather than military confrontation, though experts caution that the situation remains fluid.

The lack of direct talks also impacts broader U.S.-Iran relations, including ongoing efforts to revive the nuclear deal. With Tehran’s insistence on indirect channels, Washington faces a conundrum: how to address security concerns without direct dialogue.

As the situation evolves, investors and policymakers will watch for any signs of progress or deterioration. Oman’s mediation could provide a temporary solution, but a permanent resolution requires more substantial engagement.

This article was updated to include comments from the deputy foreign minister and market reaction. Earlier reports had suggested possible direct talks, which have been officially denied.