Iran’s deputy foreign minister says Hormuz to remain closed despite temporary Oman deal

Iran’s deputy foreign minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, has stated that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed despite a temporary transit agreement with Oman, according to a televised interview on Tuesday. Gharibabadi emphasized that only Iranian arrangements can reopen the strategic waterway, warning that America and other countries should be aware of this.

He further explained that Iran and Oman have been engaged in talks over the past 40 days to establish a transit arrangement through the strait, agreeing on a temporary route seven miles (11 kilometers) wide. This entry point and part of the exit route would pass through Iranian territorial waters. Gharibabadi mentioned that activating the agreed route would entail closing the southern route in the strait, which the US had opened at Oman's request.

He claimed that this move violated the US-Iran memorandum of understanding (MoU). Gharibabadi stated that the proposed map for the route was provided by Iran’s armed forces, and negotiations for a permanent arrangement would follow. He also mentioned that Iran has discussed these regional developments with Pakistan, Oman, and Qatar.