Iran says Hormuz transit deal with Oman hinges on US commitments

Iran insists Strait of Hormuz remains closed pending US compliance with commitments. (Photo/AP)

Iran has reached an understanding with Oman on transit arrangements through the Strait of Hormuz, but its implementation is contingent on the US fulfilling its commitments, a senior Iranian diplomat said.

"This understanding will not automatically enter the implementation stage," Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi said, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency.

"Implementing this understanding requires the other side, particularly the US, to fulfil its commitments. Whenever these commitments are implemented, Iran will also take its measures," he said.

Gharibabadi stated that Iran is in no hurry to reopen the strait and will continue its "defensive measures" and efforts to "counter threats."

He added: "These measures are not new, and if Washington is interested in returning to the path of diplomacy, it must accept responsibility for its past actions."

Omani coordination

Gharibabadi noted that while arrangements regarding the strait have been made with Muscat, the responsibility for meeting the prerequisites rests entirely with Washington.

"Whenever these commitments are fulfilled, Iran will take the necessary action. The Strait of Hormuz remains closed, and if any vessel passes through this route, it will be with the coordination and authorisation of the Islamic Republic of Iran," he said.

He added that Iran's armed forces maintain "full oversight" of all movements in the strait, rejecting claims that vessels are passing through without coordination with Tehran.

Gharibabadi said ongoing consultations with Qatar and Pakistan are taking place in light of their roles as mediators, noting that both nations "sought to examine whether it was possible to resume implementation of the commitments under the Islamabad understanding."

Tensions between Tehran and Washington have remained elevated since war on Iran in late February prompted Iranian attacks on US military assets in allied Arab states.

Following an April ceasefire and a memorandum of understanding signed in Islamabad in June, progress stalled over transit terms and passage fees in the strait.

Escalatory strikes in July led Washington to reimpose a naval blockade on Iranian ports and revoke oil export waivers, leaving the conflict in an apparent stalemate.

Source: TRT