Iran alone can restore Hormuz traffic, says foreign minister

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi asserted from Baghdad that his country alone can ensure the Strait of Hormuz returns to its pre-war traffic levels. He cautioned that any other intervention would only delay the reopening of the strategic waterway.

"According to the memorandum of understanding, the Strait of Hormuz is under Iran's administration, and after thirty days, operations will return to normal as they were before," Araghchi stated during a joint appearance with his Iraqi counterpart, Fuad Hussein. "The responsibility for these matters rests with the Iranian side, and no other country has any responsibility, according to said memorandum."

“

According to the memorandum of understanding, the Strait of Hormuz is under Iran's administration, and after thirty days, operations will return to normal as they were before. The responsibility for these matters rests with the Iranian side, and no other country has any responsibility, according to said memorandum.

He further warned that "any intervention, or separate or new measures will lead to further complication of the situation and delay the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, in addition to increasing the level of escalation." Araghchi pointed to recent clashes in the strait as evidence of this.

“

any intervention, or separate or new measures will lead to further complication of the situation and delay the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, in addition to increasing the level of escalation.

The top Iranian diplomat called on "all parties" to adhere to the memorandum signed digitally on June 17 between Washington and Tehran, which outlines the reactivation of this maritime route. He urged them to "refrain from any intervention in the process of reopening and managing the Strait of Hormuz."

Araghchi's remarks follow recent U.S. attacks on Iranian territory in response to Iran's actions against two vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. In retaliation, Iran had launched attacks against Bahrain and Kuwait, two Persian Gulf nations significantly affected by Tehran's bombardments. Iran shares the strategic Strait of Hormuz with Oman; it previously handled a fifth of the world's oil, along with other energy resources and fertilizers, with over a hundred vessels passing daily. Oman has publicly stated it does not want transit fees imposed on Hormuz and is working with Iran on its future navigation management. Oman recently announced the opening of a "temporary maritime corridor" for all vessels "without charging fees," invoking freedom of navigation.

“

all parties should respect the memorandum signed digitally on June 17 between Washington and Tehran, and refrain from any intervention in the process of reopening and managing the Strait of Hormuz.