Iran Insists Strait of Hormuz Remains Closed, Conditions US Compliance with Commitments
The Iranian government has asserted that the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s strategic shipping lane, remains closed to international traffic. The decision stands despite ongoing discussions between Tehran and Oman regarding the establishment of a temporary shipping corridor and a mine-clearing project in the area.
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, stated that the reopening of the strait depends entirely on the United States’ compliance with international commitments and the cessation of armed conflict. He emphasised that no foreign military vessels will be permitted to transit, while commercial ships will be under strict supervision by Iranian authorities.
“We closed the Strait of Hormuz before the United States imposed an economic blockade because they failed to meet commitments under the memorandum of understanding,” Gharibabadi said, as quoted by the IRNA news agency on Wednesday (26/8).
Tehran has set a number of absolute conditions for Washington before access to the vital strait is restored. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts continue through a meeting between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi in Tehran. The two countries are developing a phased framework to establish a temporary navigation corridor and a mine-clearing mechanism.
Oman’s Foreign Minister, Badr Albusaidi, expressed hope that the temporary corridor could be announced soon as an initial step towards a permanent solution. “The future management of the strait and a permanent solution will follow in due course once the temporary agreement is operational,” he said.
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital artery for global energy, channelling approximately one-fifth of the world’s total crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports. Disruption to this route has triggered volatility in international energy markets since tensions between Iran, the US, and Israel escalated.
Responding to Iran’s hardline stance, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced an expansion of secondary sanctions. The move aims to isolate Tehran economically and force an end to its resistance. The sanctions target various sectors ranging from technology to digital assets, as well as entities in various countries that still maintain trade relations with Iran.
On the security issue, Gharibabadi denied claims by former US President Donald Trump that mines in international waters had been cleared. He warned that Iran would not hesitate to attack US minesweepers attempting to enter the area without permission.