Iran has accused the United States of privately pursuing negotiations while publicly threatening further military action, exposing the deep mistrust surrounding efforts to halt an expanding conflict and restore navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Hassan Ghashghavi, a member of Iran’s parliament and its national security and foreign policy commission, said Washington was using established communication channels to seek talks while presenting a more confrontational message in public.
“They speak of escalating tensions” through the media while requesting negotiations through other channels, Ghashghavi wrote on X on Saturday. He said the approach would not deceive Tehran and insisted that Washington would eventually have to accept Iran’s proposed arrangements for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
His remarks came as US President Donald Trump said he would hold off on planned strikes if an agreement could be reached quickly. Trump said Iran and several Middle Eastern governments had asked Washington to provide more time for diplomacy.
The president said US forces remained prepared to act but indicated that military operations could be cancelled if negotiations produced commitments to reopen the Strait of Hormuz fully and address concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme.
The simultaneous exchange of threats and negotiating signals has created uncertainty over whether the two sides are moving towards de-escalation or merely repositioning before another phase of hostilities. Iran has warned that any fresh US or Israeli attack would trigger an extensive response against military and economic targets across the region.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi conveyed that warning during telephone conversations with counterparts in Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan. He said Iran would respond proportionately to attacks by the US or Israel and cautioned regional governments against allowing their territory or infrastructure to be used in military operations.
Tehran has also threatened energy installations belonging to countries that participate in attacks against it. Those warnings have alarmed Gulf governments, which fear that strikes on oil terminals, refineries, pipelines or desalination plants could widen the war and inflict lasting economic damage.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman urged Trump to avoid an escalation that could provoke Iranian retaliation against Gulf energy infrastructure. Saudi Arabia and other regional governments have supported diplomatic efforts even while maintaining security cooperation with Washington.
The Strait of Hormuz remains central to the dispute. The narrow waterway connects Gulf producers with international markets and normally carries about one-fifth of global petroleum consumption. Interruptions have forced some vessels to delay voyages, alter routes or suspend operations, increasing freight and insurance costs.
Brent crude prices rose sharply during July as attacks on shipping, port facilities and energy infrastructure raised fears of a prolonged disruption. The conflict has also affected air travel, commercial supply chains and investment sentiment across the Middle East.
Iran has sought to use control over maritime access as leverage in negotiations. Tehran argues that any framework must recognise its security interests and establish rules governing the passage of commercial and military vessels. Washington has demanded unrestricted navigation and guarantees that Iran will not threaten shipping.
Nuclear restrictions remain another major obstacle. The US wants Tehran to end activities that could shorten the time required to produce a nuclear weapon and accept strengthened international inspections. Iran maintains that its programme is peaceful and has demanded sanctions relief and recognition of its right to civilian nuclear technology.
Indirect negotiations have previously involved Oman and other intermediaries, allowing messages to pass between the governments despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations. Pakistan, Türkiye, Qatar and Saudi Arabia have also participated in efforts to prevent a broader regional confrontation.
Trump said members of his negotiating team, including special envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, were prepared to pursue an agreement. He nevertheless questioned whether Tehran could be trusted to fulfil its commitments.
Military pressure has continued alongside diplomacy. US forces carried out another wave of air strikes against Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps installations last week, targeting command centres, missile facilities, drone infrastructure and coastal defences.
Iran has responded with missiles and drones aimed at US-linked and regional targets, while maritime incidents near Kuwait and Oman have heightened fears of miscalculation. Both sides paused some attacks during earlier diplomatic contacts, but those interruptions failed to produce a durable settlement.
Israel remains closely involved in US planning and has pressed for firm restrictions on Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities. Tehran says any agreement must prevent further Israeli attacks and guarantee that neighbouring states will not assist future operations.
