Iran denies reports of agreement to reopen Strait of Hormuz

Iran has categorically denied foreign media reports claiming that Tehran had agreed to a plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, calling such reports "sheer lies." The denial comes after several foreign outlets, citing Israeli journalist Barak Ravid, alleged that Iran had accepted a proposal under which ships would enter the Persian Gulf through Iranian territorial waters and leave through Omani territorial waters.

Fars News Agency, citing a source close to Iran's nuclear negotiating team, rejected those claims outright. The source stated, "The Islamic Republic of Iran has reached no agreement on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and the reports published in this regard are false." According to Fars, a military source also dismissed the claims, describing them as entirely unfounded.

The military source was quoted as saying, "As long as the hostile actions and acts of malice by the United States continue, the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed." The source added, "Passage will only be possible through the designated route, in coordination with the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps Navy and after obtaining permission to transit the Strait of Hormuz. Otherwise, other routes are unsafe, and vessels attempting to use them will certainly encounter incidents."

The source further emphasized that reports claiming Iran had agreed to any plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz were "baseless" and that no decision or policy change had been made regarding the strategic waterway. The Strait of Hormuz is a vital chokepoint for global oil shipments, and any disruption there has significant implications for international energy markets.

The reports originally surfaced amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States, with Washington having increased its military presence in the region. Iran has repeatedly warned that it could close the strait in response to US threats or aggression. The latest denial reinforces Iran's stance that the strait remains closed until US hostile actions cease.

According to Mehr News Agency, the original report was published on its English website, citing Fars News Agency. The report by Mehr added that the Iranian military source's comments underscored the seriousness of the situation, with the strait remaining a flashpoint in the ongoing US-Iran confrontation.