"Fully coordinated": Iran Foreign Ministry dismisses rift with parliament over Strait of Hormuz legislation
Tehran, August 10
Rejecting notions of a rift between state institutions over maritime security legislation, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stressed that the administration and the parliament operate in complete alignment regarding the management of the Strait of Hormuz.
Addressing questions during a press briefing regarding a parliamentary bill targeting vessel transit and its impact on potential negotiations or relations with Oman, Baghaei firmly dismissed any suggestion that the legislature's initiatives indicate a lack of confidence in diplomatic channels or executive governance.
"No, there is no such thing. The governing institutions of the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, are fully coordinated with the Islamic Consultative Assembly," Baghaei clarified.
Elaborating on the status of the legislation, Baghaei noted that the measure focusing on traffic regulation through the critical waterway is actively being reviewed within parliamentary committees, with direct ministerial involvement.
"Regarding the approvals, I think you are referring to a plan that is being pursued in the parliamentary committees regarding the management of traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. This plan is being reviewed and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is present in the process of considering this plan and is presenting its views."
Highlighting the close inter-branch cooperation driving Tehran's foreign policy, Baghaei pointed to ongoing, high-level consultations between key government figures and lawmakers to ensure national objectives are pursued cohesively.
"Just this morning, before this meeting, Mr. Dr. Araghchi had a very useful and valuable meeting with members of the National Security and Foreign Policy Committee," Baghaei stated.
"We discussed a range of issues that were the subject of your questions just today, and thank God, these contacts and these close consultations exist between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Islamic Consultative Assembly, and they will definitely help us advance our national interests in a coordinated manner," he added.
Additionally, Baghaei stated that the between Iran and Oman regarding a new traffic map and transit arrangements through the Strait of Hormuz are proceeding in a "smooth and constructive manner."
Addressing questions about whether transit fees had been raised in the discussions and how revenues might be allocated, Baghaei noted that specific financial details are not currently under discussion while talks remain active.
"We are not discussing such details at this stage. Let me also inform you that discussions are still ongoing. I had previously said that an understanding has been reached regarding the traffic map. Regarding the joint statement, there are still some technical points that are being discussed, but the negotiations are taking place in a very smooth and constructive manner."
While declining to elaborate on fee divisions at this point, Baghaei emphasised that the emerging framework is designed to handle vital administrative, environmental, and security functions within the waterway, services that naturally warrant financial compensation:
"We are not discussing these details right now. What is clear is that mechanisms will be established that, in addition to monitoring the safe passage of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, will provide the necessary measures on issues related to the environment, cooperation in providing maritime services, and combating crime. As a rule, when you provide maritime services, you should definitely receive compensation for it," he added.
Earlier, Iran's parliamentary commission for National Security and Foreign Policy on Sunday passed the broad framework of a strategic initiative aimed at bolstering regional security and sustainable development in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Press TV, the commission spokesman Hassan Qashqavi stated that lawmakers reviewed the draft proposal alongside delegates from pertinent government organisations and institutions.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The fact that they're discussing environment, maritime safety, and crime prevention in the same breath as traffic management is a mature approach. But I remain cautiously optimistic—words like 'smooth and constructive' have been used before without much progress on the ground. Hope the technical talks conclude quickly and we see actual positive outcomes.
Interesting how Iran is trying to project institutional unity here. Whether or not there's actually a rift between parliament and the foreign ministry, maintaining a stable image in such a sensitive geopolitical zone is important. Any instability in that region directly impacts global shipping and energy prices, which hits all of us back home.
As someone who works in logistics, every time I see headlines about the Strait of Hormuz, my blood pressure goes up. 🌊 If Iran and Oman can put in place a proper traffic map and navigation rules, it takes a lot of unpredictability out of shipping. It's good that they're being pragmatic—this is not just politics, it's about keeping trade flowing. India should watch closely and maybe even learn from this collaborative model for our own maritime borders.
It's intriguing how Iran keeps reasserting its role as the main gatekeeper of the Strait of Hormuz. For a country like India, which maintains excellent relations with both Iran and the GCC states, a stable and mutually agreed framework in the Strait is essential. Also, it's interesting to see Iranian officials taking time to reassure domestic audiences that all institutions are "coordinated" - suggests there might be some internal scepticism going on.
Reading between the lines, it's
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