Iran says no new developments in talks on possible US deal

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Tuesday that there was no new development on a possible deal with the US.

Discussions with Washington, however, are continuing via mediators, Baqaei told state media.

"Previous experiences block any optimism about America's seriousness in diplomacy," he said, adding that Tehran's preparations to defend itself in case of renewed hostilities were "at the highest level."

Tensions in the Middle East have remained high after the US and Israel launched attacks against Iran on Feb. 28. Tehran retaliated by targeting Israel and US assets in the region before a ceasefire agreement was reached in April.

Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding on freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz on June 18, but its implementation stalled because of disagreements concerning security in the waterway.