Iran has reached an understanding with Oman regarding transit arrangements through the Strait of Hormuz, but the implementation of this agreement is not automatic and remains strictly contingent upon the United States fulfilling its own commitments. Kazem Gharibabadi, the Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, clarified the status of these negotiations via the semi-official Tasnim news agency.
Gharibabadi emphasized that the understanding will not enter the implementation stage until the other side, specifically the US, meets its obligations. He noted that once those commitments are fulfilled, Iran is prepared to take its own necessary measures. He further stated that Iran is in no immediate rush to reopen the strait and will continue its current defensive posture and efforts to counter perceived threats. According to the diplomat, these measures are not new, and if Washington is interested in returning to the path of diplomacy, it must accept responsibility for its past actions.
While coordination regarding the waterway has been established with Muscat, Gharibabadi reiterated that the burden of meeting the prerequisites rests entirely with the United States. He maintained that the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, and any transit by vessels must occur with the explicit authorization and coordination of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Rejecting claims that ships are passing through without oversight, he added that Iran’s armed forces maintain full control over all movements within the route.
Gharibabadi also highlighted ongoing consultations with Qatar and Pakistan, noting that both nations have acted as mediators to determine if the commitments under the June Islamabad understanding could be resumed. Tensions between Tehran and Washington have remained high since late February, when conflict triggered Iranian attacks on US military assets in allied Arab states. Following an April ceasefire and the subsequent June memorandum, progress stalled due to disagreements over passage fees and transit terms. The situation reached a stalemate in July after escalatory strikes led the US to reimpose a naval blockade on Iranian ports and revoke oil export waivers.
