Iran has asserted that it maintains complete control over the Strait of Hormuz, even as tensions with the United States escalate. The country has proposed a new shipping route to Oman, emphasizing that it will not allow the strait to be used in a manner that threatens its national security.
According to Iran's state-run IRIB news agency, Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, stated on July 14, "We have complete control over the Strait of Hormuz, even in a wartime situation."
Gharibabadi insisted that Iran's actions do not infringe on Oman's sovereignty, but he stressed, "We cannot accept that Omani waters are used for activities that threaten Iran's security." He added, "We have proposed a new shipping route to Oman," suggesting that if Oman were not under U.S. pressure, it would have reached a similar conclusion as Iran.
Recently, Iran and Oman held a meeting of their foreign ministers to discuss the routes and management of the Strait of Hormuz. Both countries agreed on the necessity of ensuring safe passage, but they have differing views on the location of the routes and who should manage them.
It remains unverified whether Iran actually controls the entire strait. The United States has also claimed control over the Strait of Hormuz and has resumed maritime blockades on vessels traveling to and from Iranian ports.
The ongoing clashes have significantly reduced shipping traffic, with some vessels navigating the strait with their tracking devices turned off. Shipping companies are also delaying or halting operations to avoid risks.
Gharibabadi accused the U.S. of violating a memorandum of understanding (MOU) and placed the blame for the stalled negotiations on the U.S. He stated, "The U.S. is ignoring all its commitments," adding that there have been no negotiations between the two countries in the past month.
However, it has been reported that the U.S. and Iran have continued indirect communications through mediators in Qatar and Pakistan. While direct negotiations have ceased, there are indications that dialogue channels have not been completely severed.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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