Gaza Herald – Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that Tehran will not fully open the Strait of Hormuz to maritime navigation unless it reaches an agreement with the United States. He emphasized that Washington’s implementation of its previous commitments constitutes a condition for transitioning to new rounds of negotiations.
Araghchi said that talks with the American side are ongoing through intermediaries, including Qatar and Pakistan. He noted that Iran proposed a seven-day initiative which includes opening the strait on the sixth day, provided Washington accepts and adheres to Iranian conditions.
The minister clarified that Tehran requires the United States to commit to the pledges contained in the Islamabad memorandum before moving to negotiations addressing other files, aiming for a final agreement. He added that the American side informed Iran of its approval of the proposed conditions but presented reciprocal terms whose details were not disclosed.
He pointed out that Iran has undergone three rounds of negotiations with Washington that ended with wars launched against the country. Araghchi considered these experiences as strengthening Tehran’s distrust of American commitments. The seven-day initiative aims to keep the diplomatic track open, asserting that Iran does not reject negotiations but insists on the execution of previous understandings.
Regarding navigation, he affirmed that restrictions on the strait will continue until a consensus is reached with the United States. He warned that ships attempting to cross under current circumstances may face significant security problems. While Washington claims the strait is open, ships encounter multiple challenges upon entering its waters.
Araghchi stated that Iran and the Sultanate of Oman reached an agreement regarding the designation of special routes for ship entry and exit through the Strait of Hormuz. He explained that both sides prepared a map of the routes and defined their geographical coordinates.
These routes will be adopted for ship passage if a political understanding allows for the full reopening of the strait. He indicated that the map needs registration with the International Maritime Organization prior to its official announcement. Technical arrangements for regulating navigation were completed in cooperation with Oman.
The minister concluded that the implementation of these arrangements and the full reopening of the strait remain linked to the results of political negotiations with Washington. The technical preparations stand ready pending the necessary diplomatic breakthroughs.
This report was produced in the Gaza Herald newsroom.
