Iran has not decided to continue negotiations with the US

JAKARTA - Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said his country has not decided whether to resume negotiations with the United States (US).

Earlier this week, President Donald Trump said the US was having "unofficial" talks with Iran.

"We're just half-negotiating with them," he said in an interview with Axios, reported by CNN, Saturday, August 15.

Araghchi said the mediators, namely Qatar and Pakistan, had exchanged messages, but the interaction could not be categorized as negotiations.

Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi also responded to Trump's claim that he would designate the Strait of Hormuz as a US territory.

"The Strait of Hormuz cannot be seized with just a tweet, an aircraft carrier, an executive order, or a campaign speech. Iran is not afraid of threats or intimidated by show of force," Gharibabadi said.

"The strait will only be closed or opened based on Iran's authority alone; and as long as you refuse to accept the reality of defeat and do not abandon your delusions, Iran will continue to impose the blockade," he continued.