Iran: Hormuz Reopening Tied to US Ending Violations

Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for International Affairs, Kazem Gharibabadi, stated on Wednesday that the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping is contingent upon the United States ceasing its violations of commitments. In an interview, he highlighted that Washington had breached its obligations under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), reinstated an illegal naval blockade on Iranian ports, resumed hostilities, and failed to contribute to stability in Lebanon. "These are among the requirements, and we have to see what developments will take place in these areas," he said, as reported by Press TV.

Gharibabadi also noted that the United States had recently imposed new sanctions on Iran and reinstated restrictions that had been temporarily lifted, particularly in the oil sector. Additionally, negotiations over the release of Iran's frozen assets had been halted. He reiterated that Iran would not tolerate any foreign interference in the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing that any understanding on the strategic waterway should be reached exclusively between Iran and Oman.

The remarks came after Tehran and Muscat announced progress in talks on establishing a commercial shipping corridor through the Strait of Hormuz. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei had earlier stated that the two sides had reached an understanding on the geographical coordinates of the proposed route and were in the final stage of reviewing and drafting a joint statement covering the main points of agreement.

According to Mehr News Agency (MNA), these developments underscore the ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States over the strategic waterway, which is crucial for global oil shipments. The potential reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is seen as a significant step for regional trade and stability, but it remains tied to broader diplomatic and security issues.