Iran's parliamentary commission passes strategic framework for security of Strait of Hormuz
Tehran, August 10
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.
Qashqavi noted that committee members evaluated both oral and written feedback from the participating agencies prior to unanimously endorsing the plan's general outline without any votes against it, Press TV reported.
The legislative proposal, titled the "Strategic Action for the Security and Sustainable Progress of the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf," was officially submitted to the Iranian parliament on July 13.
Earlier on Saturday, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi said that the deal with Oman on a legal mechanism for managing traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is "very close", but reopening the strategic waterway will be subject to additional conditions, including compensation from the US over the latter's violations of the memorandum.
Speaking at the Iranian President's press conference, Araghchi said negotiations with Oman were focused on determining a new route for maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, adding that the two sides were close to reaching an agreement.
"Negotiations with Oman regarding the legal mechanism and management of the Strait of Hormuz regarding determining the route of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz are underway, and we are very close to an agreement, but the opening of the Strait of Hormuz is subject to other conditions, including compensation for violations of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding by the United States," Araghchi said.
The Iranian Foreign Minister said a previously used traffic separation scheme (TSS) through the Strait was no longer acceptable to Tehran and that a new route would need to be established.
"In the past, there was a TSS or route that the Islamic Republic considers no longer acceptable for ship traffic, and it is necessary to consider a new TSS, which, of course, has extensive technical and legal complexities," he added.
The statement comes as a US official stated on Friday that progress has been made in talks between Iran and Oman, which could lead to the reopening of the strategic Strait of Hormuz and restore oil exports disrupted by the five-month-old conflict.
On the other hand, a report by The Wall Street Journal indicated that the US administration may be prepared to set aside the nuclear issue and declare victory if Tehran fully reopens the Strait of Hormuz.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Five months of conflict and now Iran is playing hardball with new routes and compensation demands. This is not just about Iran-US relations; it's about the entire region's stability. As an Indian, I'm worried about the ripple effects on our trade and the Indian diaspora working in the Gulf. Diplomacy needs to prevail here.
Iran is absolutely right to demand compensation from the US. America has been imposing sanctions and violating agreements for years. The new traffic route is a smart move by Tehran to assert its sovereignty. India must maintain strong diplomatic ties with all Gulf nations to protect our interests. 🇮🇳🤝
It's understandable that Iran wants to renegotiate terms after years of sanctions and broken deals. The compensation demand is actually quite pragmatic. From an Indian perspective, we just need reliable oil flow. Let's hope Washington doesn't create more hurdles just to save face.
The WSJ report saying the US may "set aside the nuclear issue" is concerning. Nuclear non-proliferation isn't just an American concern; it's a global security matter. I appreciate Iran's right to secure its waters, but compromising on nuclear oversight for oil trade would be shortsighted. India should encourage a balanced approach.
As someone whose family has lived in Dubai, this hits close to home. The Strait isn't just oil—it's food, clothing, everything that moves between the Gulf and India. Iran and Oman need to settle this fast. The new route idea is fine, but the compensation part might just be a political stunt. Let's hope sanity prevails.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.