Iranian official: Strait of Hormuz remains closed until threats to Iran end
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An Iranian official said on Wednesday that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed to shipping until the United States ends its military threats against Iran and withdraws from the region. The statement, made to the Young Journalists Club news agency, rejected any suggestion that ongoing talks with Oman would lead to a quick reopening of the strategic waterway. Even as Iran and Oman hold advanced talks on temporary shipping routes, Tehran insisted the strait’s full reopening depends on Washington’s actions.
The Closure Announcement
Iranian official Saidi told the Young Journalists Club on Wednesday that the Strait of Hormuz will stay shut until the US ceases its naval threat and blockade and formally ends hostilities. He stated there is currently no reason to open the strait, and that Oman must not forget Iran will not permit American interference in the waterway. The remarks follow a period of intense fighting that erupted around the strait on July 8 and lasted roughly two weeks.
Collapsed June Agreement
On June 14, Iran and the United States, with Pakistan as mediator, agreed that Iran would open the strait and waive transit fees for 60 days in exchange for the release of frozen Iranian assets. Washington failed to release the funds and instead designated an alternative route through Omani territorial waters. Iran viewed this as a breach, restricted transits, and struck several vessels attempting unauthorized passage. Tensions boiled over into violent clashes on July 8.
Negotiations with Oman
Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said on August 5 that talks with Oman have entered the final stage, focused on a temporary shipping corridor that could take two to four months to implement. He stressed that the full reopening of the strait hinges on the US position. Saidi separately clarified that the Oman discussions are solely about travel procedures and routes, not the strait’s overall status.
What's Next
The next Iran-Oman talks are expected in the coming days, though no date has been set. It remains unclear whether Washington will alter its military posture in the Gulf to meet Tehran’s conditions for reopening the strait, a chokepoint for about 20% of global oil shipments.
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Iranian official: Strait of Hormuz remains closed until threats to Iran end
