President Donald Trump announced Sunday that the United States is "semi-negotiating" with Iran, a statement that comes amid ongoing military exchanges between the two nations. The U.S. initiated major combat operations against Iran on February 28, with significant joint strikes targeting military, government, and infrastructure sites in coordination with Israel.

Despite the ongoing hostilities, delegations from the U.S. and Iran entered into negotiations in June. The primary objective of these talks is to secure a war-ending deal, based on a memorandum of understanding previously signed by both countries. However, the Strait of Hormuz has remained a persistent flashpoint, with both the U.S. and Iran continuing to exchange strikes in the strategically vital waterway.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei clarified Monday that no direct negotiations are currently underway between Iran and the U.S. He stated that all existing communications are confined to the exchange of messages through intermediaries. Baqaei emphasized that Tehran's current diplomatic focus is on advancing negotiations with Oman to define the final destination for shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz.

Baqaei asserted that Iran holds responsibility for the management and security of the Strait of Hormuz. He added that Tehran will not permit the reopening of the strategic waterway unless the U.S. agrees to key Iranian demands, which include reconstruction funding and the lifting of sanctions. According to Baqaei, discussions with Oman involve replacing previous traffic routes with a middle, safe route that will serve as a temporary measure until a new traffic separation plan is finalized.

The broader goal of these diplomatic efforts, Baqaei explained, is to achieve a lasting understanding with Oman to ensure complete security in this vital maritime corridor. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global oil transport, making its security a matter of international concern.

In parallel developments, the Houthi rebels, aligned with Iran, launched a drone and missile attack on the Red Sea port city of Mocha in Yemen on Sunday, resulting in at least seven fatalities, including four soldiers and three civilians, according to the Yemeni Armed Forces. The attack also injured at least 30 others and targeted civilian infrastructure, residences, and military sites.

Meanwhile, Hamas affirmed its commitment to President Trump's 15-point plan for the second phase of a ceasefire agreement with Israel in the Gaza Strip. This affirmation follows earlier comments made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the plan, which aims to establish a clear timetable for implementation.

The ongoing U.S.-Iran tensions and related regional conflicts highlight the complex geopolitical landscape. The success of the current "semi-negotiations" and the broader efforts to stabilize maritime security in critical waterways like the Strait of Hormuz remain uncertain, with significant implications for regional stability and global trade.