‘Strait Of Hormuz Won’t Reopen’: Iran Sets Condition As US Blockade Continues

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said on Monday that the Strait of Hormuz would not reopen while the United States maintains its naval blockade against Iran.

Speaking at a weekly press briefing in Tehran, Baqaei said US and Israeli military aggression had led to the waterway’s closure. He said reopening the strategic passage depends on the conditions imposed on Iran and the strait by US and Israeli authorities.

Baqaei stated that the required conditions for reopening do not exist as long as the US blockade continues. He urged Washington to halt what he described as its ‘destructive actions’ before both sides discuss further steps.

The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. It serves as a vital global energy corridor.

Major Gulf producers use the waterway to transport crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) to international markets.

Baqaei said talks between Iran and Oman over a separate shipping route remain a bilateral matter between the two countries.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Aragchi said on Sunday that Tehran currently has no negotiations with Washington. He said intermediaries continue efforts to find a way to restart dialogue.

Aragchi said Iran would not resume talks until the US ends alleged violations of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and addresses the breaches. He added that Iran and Oman are in the final stages of discussions over a new maritime route through the Strait of Hormuz.

Aragchi stressed that an agreement with Oman would not mean the strait would reopen. He said reopening remains dependent on several conditions.

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