Iran Rejects Direct Talks With US; Trump Says Handling Iran Issue Quietly
Iran rejects direct talks with the US, citing repeated violations of a June interim agreement by Washington. While Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated negotiations cannot resume until breaches are compensated, he noted Oman-mediated discussions on reopening the Strait of Hormuz are nearing an agreement. Meanwhile, Middle East tensions persist following Houthi attacks on a Saudi refinery, driving international oil prices higher.
Iran and Oman have yet to reach a final agreement on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, although US President Donald Trump has shown patience, saying the US is handling the negotiations quietly and understands that Iran is facing high inflation and funding shortages.
Iran has barred the odds of direct talks with the US at present. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the US has repeatedly violated the interim peace agreement signed in June.
As long as the US continues to breach the MOU and has not compensated for its violations, the two countries will not be able to resume negotiations. However, Araghchi also said Iran and Oman are very close to reaching an agreement on shipping routes through the Strait.
As it remains difficult for the US and Iran to reach an agreement, tensions in the Middle East continued on Sunday (9th). Iran-backed Houthis claimed responsibility for attacking a Saudi Aramco refinery.
International oil prices advanced this morning (10th). Brent crude futures climbed 1.09% to USD84.46 per barrel, while New York oil futures hiked 0.86% to USD78.85 per barrel.
