Iran Vows to Prevent Strait of Hormuz from Returning to Pre-War Status

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, Kazem Gharibabadi, stated on Tuesday that Tehran will not allow the Strait of Hormuz to return to its pre-war status. The senior diplomat also warned that any European warship attempting to approach the strategic waterway would be considered a legitimate target.

Speaking to state-owned IRIB TV, Gharibabadi said that if the situation in the strait were to revert to how it was before the war, “our success in the war would not be complete.” He added that Iran is not afraid of the war resuming in order to enforce its sovereignty over the strait.

Describing the Strait of Hormuz as a new defensive capability that is now part of Iran’s national security, Gharibabadi disclosed that Oman had proposed involving a third party for mine-clearing operations in the southern part of the strait, a proposal Iran rejected.

Regarding relations with the United States, the official said Iran has not requested negotiations with Washington in the last 15 days. “The American side asked us to hold talks, and sent a message through Oman that they would not carry out military action against us,” Gharibabadi said.

On bilateral discussions with Oman, Gharibabadi explained that Tehran is only negotiating with Muscat on issues related to the Strait of Hormuz. He said Oman proposed a shared route with joint control, but Iran found this proposal insufficient to address its concerns, arguing that it would compromise Iranian sovereignty over the strait.

Instead, Tehran proposed that Iran hold full control over the entry route to the Strait of Hormuz and partial control over the exit route. Gharibabadi stressed that if Oman accepts this offer, “we will move to the next stage,” but if not, the strait will remain closed.

Iran tightened its grip over the Strait of Hormuz on 28 February, prohibiting safe passage for ships owned by or affiliated with Israel and the United States, following a joint attack by the two nations on Iranian territory.