Iran says the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz now depends on the United States ending what it describes as a naval blockade of its ports, despite reaching an agreement with Oman on a shipping route through the strategic waterway.
Tehran said on Wednesday that both countries had agreed on the route vessels would use through the strait and were finalising plans for its joint management.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said the agreement was in its final stage, but warned that the waterway could not be considered safe while the US maintained military pressure in the region.
“The geographical coordinates have been agreed. If there is no interference from third parties, the joint statement is now in its final drafting stage,” Baqaei said, according to Iran’s state news agency, IRNA.
He, however, insisted that reopening the vital shipping lane still depended on Washington ending its naval blockade and other actions Iran considers hostile.
“The factors making the Strait of Hormuz insecure still exist because of the United States, particularly the naval blockade and other aggressive actions against Iran and its interests,” he said.
Iran has maintained tight control of the Strait of Hormuz since the outbreak of its conflict with the United States and Israel, insisting that vessels use routes approved by Tehran.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed Iran wants a deal with Washington to reopen the waterway, but Tehran has denied holding direct talks with the US, saying it is instead working with Oman on arrangements for commercial shipping.
Fresh security incidents have also raised concerns about the safety of vessels using the route.
Britain’s maritime security agency, UKMTO, said the captain of an oil tanker reported hearing two explosions while sailing through the strait near Oman’s waters. The vessel and its crew were not harmed.
Separately, Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for attacks on two Saudi oil tankers, saying missiles struck the vessels Wafa in the northern Red Sea and Daisy in the Gulf of Aden. Saudi authorities had yet to comment on the claim.
Before the conflict, about one-fifth of the world’s crude oil and liquefied natural gas exports passed through the Strait of Hormuz. Disruptions to shipping have fuelled concerns over global energy supplies and pushed oil prices higher.
US Vice President JD Vance acknowledged that negotiations with Iran would take time, describing the country’s political system as deeply divided.
“It’s going to be messy, and it’s going to take some time,” Vance said during an interview with Fox News.
While Washington continues to push for a diplomatic solution, Tehran insists the Strait of Hormuz cannot fully reopen until the United States lifts its naval restrictions and eases military pressure in the Gulf.
