Iranian diplomats stated on Monday that they are not currently engaged in any negotiations with the U.S., despite the recent cessation of hostilities between the two countries, AFP reports.

"Mediators can convey messages to us from the American side regarding current developments in the region. But at this time, we are not engaged in any negotiations with the U.S.," said Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei during his weekly press conference.

"Claims that Iran has requested negotiations are fabrications that the opposing side spreads from time to time," he added.

Hostilities resumed between the two countries on July 7 amid tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has kept closed ever since.

The clashes have ceased, however, with Washington stating this Sunday that it wishes to give diplomacy a chance.

“What the president is doing right now is leaving room for negotiations. Negotiations are continuing,” U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz told the American press on Sunday, while also emphasizing that Donald Trump has not ruled out a further escalation with the Islamic Republic: he “is keeping all options on the table.”

Esmail Baghaei criticized the U.S. on Monday, stating that its behavior in recent years “resembles that of a mafia-like organization that respects neither rules nor laws.”

“As long as the U.S. continues to act in this manner, we cannot hope for a reasonable process to emerge,” the Iranian diplomat said.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the main flashpoints, with disagreements over the management of this sea lane severely undermining the memorandum of understanding signed on June 17.

Iran insists on retaining control over the strait and wants to levy a transit fee, while keeping Oman involved in its management as the second riparian state.

Baghaei stated that the U.S. was not involved in the recent discussions with Oman.

“These discussions have nothing to do with the U.S. This is a bilateral issue between Iran and Oman, and they are ongoing,” he said.

The sea route, which is crucial for global hydrocarbon trade, “remains closed,” added the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson.

The Iranian and Omani deputy foreign ministers met on Friday and Saturday to discuss “common principles and operational mechanisms” designed to ensure the safety of navigation, he said.

In recent days, the Revolutionary Guards, the Iranian regime’s ideological military force, have stopped several ships—including six Iranian vessels—that were attempting to cross the strait outside the route authorized by the Islamic Republic.

AGERPRES