Iran will not allow the Strait of Hormuz to return to its pre-war status, regardless of ongoing discussions with Oman, according to Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei. These remarks, relayed by the state-run IRNA news agency, indicate that Iran's security concerns stemming from recent military actions will shape future maritime traffic in the vital waterway.
Baqaei stated that negotiations with Oman regarding the Strait of Hormuz are in their "final stages." However, he clarified that this does not equate to a full reopening of the waterway as it existed before the "U.S. and Israel launched their military campaign in February." The spokesperson emphasized the need to prevent the Strait from being "misused by parties that have committed aggression against Iran," necessitating a mechanism that respects Iran's sovereign rights.
He further explained that the resumption of hostilities had disrupted plans to secure commercial shipping, as outlined in a memorandum of understanding with the U.S. in June. According to Baqaei, the northern route of the Strait had been secure for shipping during the initial weeks of the agreement. However, an act of aggression against Iran occurred before the 30-day period for restoring pre-war maritime traffic conditions concluded.
Following the war's disruption of the established maritime traffic separation scheme, vessels have been navigating either the northern route along the Iranian coast or the southern route along the Omani coast. Baqaei indicated that the current talks with Oman aim to establish a new route.
The spokesperson also asserted that Iran would not yield to external pressures. "Any assumption that threats and media pressure can make Iran retreat from its principled positions is inconsistent with past experience," Baqaei said. "We will continue to act based on what serves the country's interests."
President Donald Trump announced "major combat operations" against Iran on February 28, following massive joint U.S.-Israeli strikes.