Iran says Hormuz strait still closed despite transit corridor talks

Nearly six months after the US and Israel declared war against Iran, traffic through the Hormuz Strait continues to be severely restricted, causing global oil market disruptions. Iran and Oman are currently negotiating a temporary transit corridor and mine-clearing project for the strategically vital waterway, but Iran has made it clear that the strait will not reopen until the United States ceases its ongoing war efforts.

Washington has recently imposed fresh sanctions on Iran, threatening the nation with economic hardship. During their discussion in Tehran, Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, emphasized his country's commitment to peace and diplomacy, asserting that the proposed framework demonstrates Iran's steadfast efforts towards stability.

However, Iran's deputy foreign minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, warned that no military vessels will be permitted through the Hormuz Strait, as the US has not fulfilled its commitments outlined in the memorandum of understanding. Iran has already been blockading the crucial strait, which typically carries about one fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas exports.

Iranian authorities are also monitoring commercial vessels attempting to cross the strait. Despite claims by the US that all mines have been removed from the strait, Iran's foreign minister dismissed these assertions as "propaganda deception" and threatened to target any US mine-clearing vessels. Oman's foreign minister, Badr Albusaidi, expressed hope that Iran and Oman would soon announce the temporary corridor, but technical negotiations will continue to determine a permanent navigational corridor and future administration of the Strait.