The Strait of Hormuz will not reopen “unless the United States ends the war”, Tehran has warned, as Iran discusses a temporary passage corridor through the strategic waterway with Oman.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi warned on Wednesday that no military vessel would be allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
Gharibabadi said specifically that military vessels from any country would not be permitted to cross the waterway, while Iranian authorities would monitor commercial vessels seeking to pass through.
Iran and Oman discuss temporary corridor
During talks in Tehran, the foreign ministers of Iran and Oman discussed a “gradual framework” that included establishing a “joint temporary passage corridor through the Strait of Hormuz” and an agreement to implement a joint project to clear mines from the waterway, according to a statement.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Tuesday that the proposed framework was an “example” of how his country’s “commitment to peace and stability is combined with steadfast diplomacy with our neighbours”.
US announces new sanctions
Washington has announced new sanctions aimed at increasing pressure on Iran, with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warning of “economic strangulation”.
Tehran has blocked the critical waterway, which normally carries around one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas exports.
The United States, meanwhile, has imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports.
Also read: Iran says it is ‘fully prepared’ to counter new US sanctions
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