Iran: Strait of Hormuz Remains Closed, No Vessel to Pass Without Coordination With Tehran
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister said Tehran has reached an understanding with Oman on arrangements concerning the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that implementing the understanding and reopening the strait remain contingent on the United States fulfilling its commitments to Iran.
The Iranian official emphasized that the “Strait of Hormuz is closed” and that any vessel seeking to pass through it would have to coordinate with Tehran and obtain its approval. He stressed that Iran was in no rush to reopen the strait unless Washington fulfills its commitments.
The official accused the United States of violating its obligations under the memorandum of understanding, insisting that Tehran had not breached the agreement and that Washington was the party required to begin implementing its commitments. He also accused the United States of “betraying diplomacy and negotiations for the third time” in more than 16 months.
He said Qatar and Pakistan were seeking to explore the possibility of resuming implementation of the memorandum’s provisions, adding that Iran had explained to them the steps Washington would need to take before arrangements concerning the strait could move forward.
The Iranian deputy foreign minister also affirmed that his country was prepared to confront the new package of U.S. sanctions, stressing that Tehran would take whatever measures it deemed appropriate to defend its interests under any scenario.
The remarks come amid mounting U.S. pressure on Iran and continued disagreement between the two sides over arrangements concerning freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Recent reports indicate that the strait remains closed despite ongoing understandings and talks between Tehran and Muscat over transit arrangements.
As part of its latest pressure campaign, the United States expanded its sanctions to include financing channels and entities linked to Iran outside the country, targeting financial networks that Washington says Tehran uses to transfer funds and finance its trade.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the new measures aim to tighten restrictions on Iran-linked revenue sources and financial channels, warning that entities facilitating financial transactions with Iran could risk losing access to the U.S. dollar and the global financial system.
The sanctions targeted individuals and entities linked to Iran, including a person associated with Bank Melli Iran and a Hong Kong-based entity, as well as financial institutions and intermediaries outside Iran, as part of efforts to broaden pressure on the Iranian economy.
The measures come amid mounting economic pressure on Tehran following months of war and stringent U.S. sanctions.
The dispute over the strait dates back to a June memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran concerning freedom of navigation, whose implementation subsequently stalled amid disagreements between the two sides, while regional diplomatic efforts continued to seek arrangements that could allow maritime traffic to resume.
AFP
