Reopening of Hormuz depends on US making amends for MoU violations: Iran FM
Tehran, Aug 8
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi on Saturday said that the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz depends on the US making amends for its 'violations' of the Memorandum of Understanding.
The Foreign Minister made these remarks on the sidelines of a press conference by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Iran's semi-official Tasnim News Agency reported.
"Negotiations with Oman are underway regarding the legal framework and management of the Strait of Hormuz, including the designation of transit routes through the strait. We are very close to reaching an agreement," the Iranian Foreign Minister stated.
However, he noted that the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is contingent upon other conditions, including the United States 'making amends for its violations' of the MoU.
"In the past, there was a Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) or route that is no longer acceptable for ship traffic from the Islamic Republic's perspective, and it is necessary to consider a new TSS, which, of course, has extensive technical and legal complexities," Aragchi added.
He also said that the violations of the MoU should be followed up and reiterated that the US violated the MoU.
"Clause 5 of the Memorandum of Understanding was being implemented by the Islamic Republic of Iran, and traffic conditions were supposed to return to normal within a month, which happened to be 60 per cent of normal conditions within two weeks, but the Americans were seeking to create new routes in the Strait of Hormuz, and despite the warnings given by our country, they sought to undermine the management of Iran and the Strait of Hormuz," stated Aragchi.
On Wednesday, Tehran's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said Iran and Oman have agreed on the navigation route for opening the Strait of Hormuz, and a joint statement is in the final stages.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The US always talks about rules-based international order but here we see them violating a signed MoU with Iran. Classic double standards. As a global power, India should push for diplomatic resolution rather than taking sides.
Really concerning times. US sanctions and unilateral actions have created chaos in the region. India's strategic autonomy is being tested — we need to balance our energy security needs with regional stability. Hope diplomats in Delhi are watching this closely.
Iran has every right to control its territorial waters. The US can't just bulldoze over international agreements when it suits them. OMX and energy markets are already volatile — this entire situation is a headache for India's trade. 😤
This affects us directly. We rely heavily on imported oil and LNG from West Asia. The government must consider diversifying our energy imports and investing more in domestic renewables and strategic petroleum reserves. We cannot be held hostage to every West Asian dispute.
While I understand Iran's position, I wonder why such critical MoUs aren't being implemented properly by both sides. India often gets caught in the crossfire of US-Iran tensions. Can't India play a mediating role here? We have good relations with both countries and the Gulf region.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.