Iran says the full reopening of the key energy route will depend on Washington meeting seven conditions, while Tehran and Oman discuss alternative maritime arrangements.
TEHRAN: Iran has linked the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to the United States meeting seven conditions, saying the key maritime passage will not be completely restored until Washington fulfils the demands.
According to Russian media reports, Iran has conveyed the conditions to the United States through intermediaries rather than directly. Iranian officials have not publicly disclosed details of the seven conditions, but Tehran has made clear that any decision on fully reopening the strait will depend on their fulfilment.
Iran refuses full reopening
The development comes as diplomatic efforts continue to restore maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has maintained that a separate maritime arrangement between Tehran and Oman should not be interpreted as a complete reopening of the strategic waterway.
Under the reported arrangement, vessels entering the Persian Gulf would use a route passing entirely through Iranian territorial waters. Part of the route used by vessels leaving the Persian Gulf would also pass through Iranian waters.
Southern route to remain closed
Iran has also indicated that the southern route, which the United States is reportedly pressing to have reopened, will remain closed.
Instead, maritime traffic would use an alternative route operated under Iranian procedures. Reports indicate that vessels using the new routes would be subject to Iranian protocols, allowing Tehran to retain a significant role in managing and monitoring maritime movement through the area.
Regional meeting in Muscat
Iran’s Foreign Ministry has said an important meeting will be held in Muscat on Monday, with representatives from Iran, Iraq and Gulf countries expected to participate.
The meeting is intended to brief regional countries on the proposed maritime routes and transit arrangements.
Talks between Iran and Oman over maritime access have continued for several weeks. According to Oman’s Foreign Ministry, the two countries have discussed an interim maritime corridor for safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz as well as arrangements for a permanent mechanism in the future.
US-Iran talks remain crucial
The future of the Strait of Hormuz is closely linked to the broader tensions between Iran and the United States. Tehran’s position is that Washington must first meet the conditions presented by Iran before progress can be made toward fully reopening the waterway.
Despite the proposed maritime arrangements with Oman, Iran has therefore not committed to restoring unrestricted passage through the strait.
Global trade concerns
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints and plays a major role in transporting oil and other energy products from the Persian Gulf to international markets.
Any prolonged closure or restriction of traffic through the waterway could put additional pressure on global energy markets, oil prices and international trade.
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