Kazem Gharibabadi, the Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, made the remarks in response to questions about recent mediation efforts by regional countries, including Pakistan, Oman, and Qatar.
"The Islamic Republic of Iran has reached an understanding with Oman regarding the arrangements for transit through the Strait of Hormuz, but this understanding will not automatically enter the implementation phase," Gharibabadi stated. He clarified that its realization depends on the other side, specifically the U.S., honoring its obligations.
He firmly noted that Iran has declared it will take reciprocal actions regarding the strait only when U.S. conditions and commitments are met. "If they do not act, naturally the Islamic Republic of Iran is in no rush to open the Strait of Hormuz and will continue its defensive actions against enemies. Iran has always been prepared for any scenario," he added.
Addressing a recent U.S. sanctions package, Gharibabadi accused Washington of betraying diplomacy for the third time in the past 16 months. He stressed that Iran has not violated the Islamabad understanding, but rather the U.S. has strayed from its provisions. "Naturally, the Islamic Republic of Iran should not pay the price for this behavior," he said, adding that Iran has taken its preparatory steps with Oman, leaving the ball in the U.S. court.
The deputy FM also categorically rejected claims that ships are freely passing through the strategic waterway. "The Strait of Hormuz is completely closed. If a ship passes through this route, it is definitely with the coordination and permission of the Islamic Republic of Iran," he asserted, praising the Iranian armed forces for their complete awareness and control over any movement in the region.
Regarding recent visits by Pakistani and Qatari officials to Tehran, Gharibabadi described the interactions as routine diplomatic exchanges aimed at assessing the possibility of a return to the Islamabad understanding.
"We made it clear to them that Iran has made the necessary preparations through the understanding with Oman, but we will not take the initiative in implementing commitments to open the strait," Gharibabadi concluded, reiterating that Washington must return to its obligations, and Iran has explicitly communicated the required U.S. actions.
M.Majdi - H.Hakimzadeh
