Reopening of Strait of Hormuz depends on US, says Iran

Iranian officials have emphasized that the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz hinges on the United States fulfilling Iran's demands, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency. Speaking to Tasnim, an IRGC spokesman stated that Washington must keep out of the ongoing negotiations with Oman regarding a new mechanism to govern shipping in the Strait.

Army spokesman Amir Akraminia affirmed that Iran's new stance in the Strait of Hormuz is "irreversible," regardless of the US's wishes. He warned that the US faces "costs far greater than those it has faced in the past" if it does not accept the current situation. According to Iran's official IRNA news agency, Akraminia made these comments.

Iran and Oman have been negotiating for weeks to regulate the passage of ships through the Strait, which previously facilitated about a fifth of global oil trade. The talks intensified following US and Israeli assaults on Iran in late February. US President Donald Trump has claimed involvement in the talks.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi of Iran indicated that Tehran and Muscat are nearing an agreement. The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz may to some degree depend on the US rectifying breaches of the June framework agreement, which aimed to facilitate a permanent cessation of hostilities, Araghchi was quoted as saying by Tasnim news agency. However, Araghchi did not elaborate further on the specifics of the negotiations.