Iran to Administer Strait of Hormuz, Chief Negotiator Warns

Iran's chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, has asserted that the Strait of Hormuz will be administered by Iran, warning that the conditions in the crucial waterway will not revert to their pre-war state. This declaration signals a significant shift in regional control and maritime governance.

"Everyone must know that the administration of the Strait of Hormuz will never return to what it was before the war," Ghalibaf stated, according to the state-run Irna news agency. He added, "Of course, international rules will be respected, but Iran will administer the Strait of Hormuz."

His comments were made in the context of ongoing diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran, aimed at achieving a lasting peace agreement to end the Middle East war. The two nations have reportedly agreed on a "roadmap" during their first negotiation session in Switzerland, with a goal of concluding a definitive accord within 60 days.

As part of a memorandum of understanding with Tehran, the U.S. has temporarily lifted sanctions on Iranian oil sales for a period of 60 days, extending until August 21. Despite Iran's announcement regarding the Strait of Hormuz, maritime tracking platforms indicate that traffic in the passage has continued at a pace faster than before the U.S.-Iran agreement.

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Everyone must know that the administration of the Strait of Hormuz will never return to what it was before the war. Of course, international rules will be respected, but Iran will administer the Strait of Hormuz.