Iran demands Hormuz control as condition for reopening strait deal

Iran has outlined new conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, insisting that any agreement with Oman must guarantee Iranian control over one of the waterway's main shipping lanes and partial authority over another. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said Tehran considers the proposal its final position, warning that the strait will remain closed if the terms are not accepted.

Tehran rejects Omani proposal

Speaking on Iranian state television, Gharibabadi said Oman had suggested a temporary maritime corridor to replace the existing northern and southern shipping routes. According to the Iranian official, the proposal divided control equally between Iran and Oman, but Tehran rejected the arrangement. "Our proposal is that one shipping lane through the strait must be entirely under Iran's control, with part of the other lane also under Iranian control. This is our definitive position, and Iran will accept no other formula," he said.

Dispute over navigation and security

Gharibabadi argued that Article 5 of the recent memorandum of understanding signed with the United States authorizes Iran to determine navigation procedures, mine-clearing operations and security measures in the Strait of Hormuz. He accused Washington of violating the agreement by supporting an alternative southern shipping route in coordination with Oman. According to Gharibabadi, Tehran will not recognize that route and believes allowing vessels to bypass the northern passage would undermine Iran's authority over one of the world's most strategically important maritime chokepoints.

Future of the Strait of Hormuz

The deputy foreign minister said Iran does not expect the waterway to return to its previous operating framework, describing the shift as a permanent state policy. He also rejected the involvement of third countries in mine-clearing operations, claiming any foreign naval deployment under that justification could be viewed as a legitimate military target. Negotiations with Oman are continuing, but he stressed that commercial navigation will not resume until both sides reach an agreement.

Nuclear policy and US relations

Addressing broader foreign policy issues, Gharibabadi said Iran currently has no plans to resume negotiations with the United States and will continue diplomatic engagement only through Oman for the time being. He also stated that cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency has been suspended and suggested that withdrawing from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty is "no longer a taboo," while noting that such a decision would require extensive legal and strategic consideration. The Iranian official added that Tehran will continue strengthening ties with Russia and China, particularly in trade and efforts to counter international sanctions.