Iran: Strait of Hormuz will not return to pre-war state

Iran's Foreign Ministry has declared that the Strait of Hormuz will not revert to its pre-conflict condition following the recent US-Iran war. Spokesperson Esmail Bagei stated that any agreement with Oman regarding the strait's management is distinct from decisions about its reopening or continued restrictions.

Bagei explained that ongoing talks with Oman are focused on creating a specific framework to ensure safe maritime passage. "Under no circumstances will the Strait of Hormuz return to its pre-war state," he asserted, referring to the negotiations concerning a new maritime route through Hormuz. He added that the strait's future status is intertwined with regional security and the actions taken by the United States.

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Under no circumstances will the Strait of Hormuz return to its pre-war state.

According to Bagei, Iran and Oman, as the two coastal states of the Strait of Hormuz, share a responsibility for maritime security and safe navigation. Discussions began after the April 8 ceasefire, with several rounds of exchanges. Bagei noted that Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's first foreign trip post-war was to Oman.

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We must ensure that the Strait of Hormuz cannot be misused by parties who have committed aggression against Iran. This requires a mechanism where Iran's sovereign rights are fully respected.

Regarding the Memorandum of Understanding with the US to end the war, Bagei mentioned that the fifth clause stipulates Iran should manage the Strait of Hormuz in consultation with Oman and through dialogue with regional countries. He claimed that during the initial 22-23 days of the agreement's implementation, the northern route of the strait was secure. However, he alleged an act of aggression against Iran occurred before the 30-day period for restoring pre-war maritime traffic concluded. Bagei emphasized that the future agreed-upon route will be a new one, determined by the Iran-Oman agreement, not the current northern or southern routes.

Bagei stressed the bilateral nature of the Iran-Oman talks, excluding any third parties. "We must ensure that the Strait of Hormuz cannot be misused by parties who have committed aggression against Iran. This requires a mechanism where Iran's sovereign rights are fully respected," he stated. Responding to threats from US officials, Bagei dismissed them as non-new, noting Iran has faced military actions. "We have faced more than threats. The United States has carried out two, and in a sense, three, high-intensity military aggressions against Iran. We have gone through those phases," he said, emphasizing that Iran's decisions are based on national interests and security considerations, unaffected by threats or media pressure.

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We have faced more than threats. The United States has carried out two, and in a sense, three, high-intensity military aggressions against Iran. We have gone through those phases.