Iran Sets Conditions for U.S. Regarding Hormuz Strait

Iran has no intention of resuming the transit of ships through the Hormuz Strait until the United States fulfills its commitments, said Kazem Gharibabadi, Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, according to Mehr news agency.

According to him, Tehran has reached an agreement with Oman regarding the procedure for ship passage through the strait, but its implementation has not yet begun as it depends on the fulfillment of U.S. obligations.

“When the conditions and obligations placed upon America are fulfilled, the Islamic Republic of Iran will also be ready to take its steps regarding the Hormuz Strait. If they do nothing, Iran will not rush to open the strait and will continue to take defensive measures,” Gharibabadi stated.

He also denied reports about the free passage of ships through Hormuz, asserting that the strait is “completely blocked.” According to him, any vessel can only pass through with the agreement of the Iranian side. “Our armed forces fully control any movement in the strait and perform their tasks to the best of their ability. No ship can pass through the Hormuz Strait without coordination with Iran,” emphasized the Deputy Foreign Minister.

Gharibabadi noted that the recent U.S. sanctions were not a surprise for Tehran, which was fully prepared for them. He also accused Washington of repeatedly backing out of diplomatic agreements. “If America thinks it wants to return to the negotiating table, it should know that Iran has not breached the Islamabad memorandum. It is America that has betrayed diplomacy and the negotiating table for the third time in 16 months,” he stated.

Gharibabadi revealed that Qatar and Pakistan are currently assessing the possibility of returning to the fulfillment of obligations under the Islamabad memorandum. Tehran has informed the mediators that it is ready to implement the agreement with Oman but does not intend to be the first to meet the conditions for opening the strait.

“It is America that has suspended its commitment and backed away from it. Washington must return to those obligations. We have clearly stated what specific steps America needs to take,” said the Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister.