Iranian Ambassador: U.S. Statement on Direct Talks Contradicts Facts

¬ Media: Houthis May Shut the Bab al-Mandeb Strait if Persian Gulf States Attack Iran

¬ Iran Proposes Drafting a "Strait of Hormuz Convention"

¬ New Oil Pipeline Around the Strait of Hormuz May Be Built in the Persian Gulf Region

¬ Iranian Military: U.S. and Israeli Intelligence on Iran’s Military Capabilities Is Misleading

¬ UK Suspends Intelligence Sharing with U.S. Over Concerns About American Reliability

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Iran's ambassador to Egypt, Mojtaba Ferdosi Pour, said in an interview with Sputnik News that Washington's statement about direct negotiations with Tehran contradicts the facts.

Ferdosi Pour stated: "There has been absolutely no direct contact (between Iran and the U.S. – editor’s note)."

He added that U.S. President Trump's remarks regarding direct talks were intended to influence financial and oil markets.

Previously, Trump claimed that Washington had conducted productive talks with Tehran. The Iranian Foreign Ministry denied any direct dialogue but acknowledged that Tehran had received messages via intermediaries indicating Washington’s desire to initiate talks aimed at ending the conflict.

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Sputnik News, Moscow, April 2 — Muhammad Mansour, deputy head of the Houthi media department, told the U.S.-based Middle East news website Al-Monitor that if Persian Gulf states join the U.S. and Israel in attacking Iran, the Houthis might close the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.

The Bab al-Mandeb Strait connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden.

Citing Mansour, the report said: "If aggression against Iran and Lebanon escalates significantly, or if any Gulf state directly joins U.S. or Israeli military actions against Iran, the option of closing the Bab al-Mandeb Strait could be implemented."

Mansour further emphasized that due to their religious, moral, and humanitarian responsibilities, the Houthis cannot remain passive if Iran is attacked.

Previously, the Houthis warned that blocking the Bab al-Mandeb Strait could push oil prices up to $200 per barrel.

Head of Iran's Government Information Committee, Hashrati, said Iran has proposed drafting a "Strait of Hormuz Convention," which would establish rules for the use of the strait by Arab, Asian, and certain European countries.

In a message posted on Telegram, the Iranian government cited Hashrati as saying that Iran proposes establishing a regional and international mechanism called the "Strait of Hormuz Convention." Under this convention, Iran would be responsible for managing the strait, while countries in the region—and including Arab, Asian, and some European nations—could legally use it.

Owing to the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, Persian Gulf states are considering building new oil pipelines bypassing the strait. Despite high costs and complex engineering challenges, regional conflicts are prompting countries to reconsider plans similar to Saudi Arabia’s “East-West Oil Pipeline.” Such projects had long been shelved due to cost and construction difficulties.

Previously, Deputy Foreign Minister of Iran, Vahid Jalalzadeh, said Tehran is developing a new legal framework for the Strait of Hormuz, which would take effect after the end of hostilities. Iran plans to cooperate with Oman on this issue.

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Quoting an anonymous diplomat from the region, the UK’s Financial Times reported: "Gulf states will seek alternatives, such as constructing oil pipelines," in response to Iran potentially tightening regulations on passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

Zolfaghari, spokesperson for the Central Headquarters of Iran’s Armed Forces, responded to U.S. President Trump’s claim that Iran no longer poses a threat by stating that the information held by the U.S. and Israel regarding Iran’s military capabilities is incorrect.

According to IRIB, Zolfaghari said: "The information you have about Iran’s military strength and weapons is wrong. You know nothing about our immense strategic potential."

Zolfaghari pointed out that facilities destroyed during U.S. and Israeli attacks were "trivial," and Iran’s strategic industrial sites are located in areas unknown to the U.S., making them "unreachable" by American forces.

He warned the U.S. and Israel to prepare for more intense and larger-scale strikes from Iran than previously seen.

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It has been reported that the UK has suspended intelligence sharing with the U.S. over concerns about American reliability.

Citing sources, the UK’s i newspaper reported: "UK intelligence agencies have suspended intelligence sharing with the U.S.… Officials are worried that Britain’s classified data might be leaked."

The report noted that the unpredictability of U.S. foreign policy and repeated criticisms by U.S. leaders toward UK Prime Minister Starmer have raised doubts among British officials about American reliability. The outlet further pointed out that this distrust has extended into the UK’s intelligence community. Sources revealed that UK intelligence agencies have suspended sharing with the U.S. based on the principle of "reciprocity," in response to what they describe as "hostile-like actions" taken by the U.S.

A source within the UK Foreign Office said: "We can no longer trust the current U.S. administration."

Previously, U.S. President Trump expressed disappointment over UK Prime Minister Starmer’s refusal to assist in the Iran conflict.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1861343221772296/

Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author