Araghchi says Oman deal does not mean reopening of Strait of Hormuz

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said an understanding with the Sultanate of Oman does not mean the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, in an interview with Al Araby Al Jadeed. His remarks were reported by Press TV and carried by Mehr News.

Araghchi said the agenda of a Monday meeting in Oman would include discussion of a new maritime route in the Strait of Hormuz. "We will provide the details of the agreement with Oman and the maps related to the new route to the participating countries," he said. He stated that the understanding with Oman "in no way means the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz."

The foreign minister said Iran's condition for reopening the strait was "the return of the United States to its commitments under the Islamabad memorandum." He did not elaborate further on the memorandum in the reported remarks.

Araghchi also said Tehran believed responsibility for ensuring regional security and stability rested solely with the countries of the region. "We hope these talks will pave the way for future consultations on issues of concern to the countries of the region," he said.

The comments came ahead of a regional meeting in Oman on Monday involving Iran, Iraq and other countries bordering the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. According to Mehr News, the meeting is expected to address the proposed maritime route and related regional matters.