Iran's foreign ministry says Tehran remains in talks and is exchanging messages with Washington

The spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Isma'il Baqaei, said on Sunday that Tehran has never left the negotiating table, and that there is an exchange of messages with the United States being conducted through intermediaries.

Baqaei added that, at the same time, Tehran was fully prepared to defend its territory, saying that preserving national security requires defensive preparedness when necessary.

The spokesman attributed part of the problem to the United States, noting that Washington insists on and clings to unilateral demands, which he said obstruct progress in the negotiating process.

Baqaei denied any Iranian involvement in operations alleged to have been carried out against air bases in Britain, rejecting the accusations directed at his country in this regard.

He addressed the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that instability there is not the result of Iranian policies but stems from the "abuse" of the waterway by the United States and Israel, which he said continue to exploit the region to carry out what he described as military aggression and illegal and hostile behavior against Iran.

Baqaei concluded by saying that as long as these conditions continue, Iran has no choice but to take the necessary measures to protect the unity of its territory, its national security and its people.