Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, explained that the disruptions were not due to conflicts between Iran and Oman, which share the strait’s coastline, but rather a result of US and Israeli attacks on Iran that commenced on February 28, as reported by state broadcaster IRIB.
“While an agreement for safe maritime passage through the Strait of Hormuz is a critical prerequisite for its reopening, it is not enough,” Baghaei was quoted as saying.
This statement from Tehran’s leadership indicates a desire for an end to US attacks before allowing normal shipping operations to continue.
Discussions are underway between Iran and Oman regarding a temporary safe route through the strait, but Baghaei emphasized that these discussions alone cannot address the larger crisis.
Previously, Oman had suggested a Gulf-backed plan for managing the waterway, which included voluntary fees for vessels utilizing it. Iran, however, dismissed the idea of regional joint management, insisting that both Tehran and Muscat manage their respective sections without external interference, according to Reuters.
The Strait of Hormuz represents one of the most vital energy corridors, facilitating nearly 20% of the world’s crude oil shipping. Disruptions to shipping since the onset of the US-Israeli conflict have heightened concerns over oil and gas availability and driven energy prices upwards. US President Donald Trump announced that discussions would resume on Monday, although Tehran has not verified any such negotiations.
Nevertheless, it reiterated that only Pakistan, with assistance from Qatar, is acting as the primary mediator in the conflict, which has now extended into its sixth month.
