Iran says Hormuz won’t reopen; Oman deal only for a new route

Tehran: Iran has ruled out reopening the Strait of Hormuz, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi making clear that a new transport arrangement being discussed with Oman should not be interpreted as a move to reopen the strategic waterway.

Details of the proposed transport mechanisms and maps of the alternative routes are expected to be presented at a meeting of Gulf countries in Muscat. Araghchi said Iran still expects the United States to honour commitments made under a 60-day understanding reached in June in Islamabad. Tehran has also maintained that responsibility for ensuring regional security and stability rests with the countries of the region.

The developments come amid escalating attacks on shipping in and around the Strait. Bahrain has said it will stay away from the upcoming meeting against the backdrop of continued attacks across the Gulf. On Sunday, an Iranian cargo vessel was attacked off the coast of Qeshm Islands, leaving one person dead and three injured, according to Iranian media. Ships on both sides have faced attacks in the waterway in recent days.

The latest incident comes just a day before Iran and Gulf states are due to meet in Oman to discuss restoring maritime traffic through Hormuz, a crucial route through which about a fifth of global oil and gas trade passes.

Iran closed the waterway after US and Israeli attacks on February 28. An interim arrangement mediated by Pakistan and Qatar had sought an end to the conflict and toll-free passage through Hormuz, but the understanding later collapsed.

Iran now requires its vessels to obtain permission to pass through the strait, citing security and sovereignty concerns, while Washington continues to exert pressure through sweeping economic sanctions.