Tehran, Aug. 9 -- Iran is not currently holding direct negotiations with the United States, although messages are being exchanged through intermediaries, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Sunday, August 9, as Tehran continued to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed and set conditions for its reopening.

The latest developments came on the 53rd day after the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Washington and Tehran and 162 days after the outbreak of the war.

Araghchi, who is in Oman for bilateral talks, said the exchange of messages with Washington should not be considered negotiations. Mediators are continuing efforts to find the right conditions for the two sides to resume talks, he said.

"From our point of view,...