Why Iran is sending mixed signals on talks

US President Donald Trump on Monday said that negotiations with Iran were ongoing over the Strait of Hormuz , adding that the Islamic Republic was facing a " last chance before decapitation ."

Trump told reporters at the White House that he agreed to continue to pursue talks with Iran at the request of Saudi Arabia , the United Arab Emirates , Qatar and other countries.

His remarks appeared to contradict public statements from Tehran, which has so far denied that negotiations with Washington were taking place.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei nevertheless confirmed that Tehran was holding talks with Oman over the strategic waterway.

The two sides may therefore be describing the same diplomatic channel in different terms, each using language aimed at its own domestic audience.

Washington describes the Omani mediation as negotiations with Iran. Tehran portrays it as a technical discussion with Oman about shipping through the strait.

Commercial traffic through key waterway remains severely restricted, while ships continue to face attacks near the strait.

According to data from maritime analytics company Kpler cited by Reuters news agency, only six commercial vessels crossed the route on Monday, down from seven the previous day.