Strait of Hormuz remains closed and under full Iranian control: Iran’s deputy FM
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- Iran’s deputy foreign minister says the Strait of Hormuz remains closed and under Iranian control, dismissing reports of ships passing through as “baseless.”
- Tehran says it has reached an understanding with Oman to begin technical talks on an alternative shipping route through the strait.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, rejecting claims that vessels are currently passing through the strategic waterway.
“America and other countries should know that the Strait of Hormuz will not be opened except through Iranian arrangements,” Gharibabadi said in a televised interview.
He said Iran remains “in a state of war” and has informed Pakistan, Oman and Qatar that “certain normal standards regarding the Strait of Hormuz cannot be adhered to under such circumstances.”
Gharibabadi said recent clashes had made Iran’s position “unequivocal” to the United States, arguing that Tehran has the right to take measures it considers necessary to protect its security in the Strait of Hormuz.
“The Strait of Hormuz is linked to our national security,” he said.
His comments come amid competing claims over navigation through the waterway, a critical route for global energy shipments.
Gharibabadi also said Iran and Oman had reached an “understanding to begin technical negotiations” on an alternative route to the historical shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz.
The proposed route could form part of broader efforts by Tehran and Muscat to facilitate maritime traffic while addressing Iran’s security concerns and the ongoing dispute over navigation through the strategic waterway.
