Iran bars all foreign military vessels from Strait of Hormuz

Iran’s foreign ministry has announced that the Strait of Hormuz will not be reopened unless the United States ends its military actions, stressing that no military vessels from any country will be allowed to pass through the strait.

According to Al Arabiya, the ministry also stated that Iran will respond to Washington’s sanctions by targeting US economic interests.

Iran clarified that its recent understanding with Oman does not mean the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran’s Tasnim news agency quoted Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi as saying, “This understanding does not mean the strait will reopen immediately, such as starting tomorrow, but an agreement has been reached on an entry route to Gulf waters, which will pass through Iranian waters.”

Gharibabadi added, “The exit route, in turn, will pass through Omani territorial waters, with vessels using both routes transiting Iranian waters. This corridor will function like a two-way highway, with a total width of about seven nautical miles.”

He noted that this arrangement is temporary, and Iran and Oman will negotiate a new permanent route within 30 to 60 days to replace the previous maritime navigation system.

Iran and Oman announced in a joint statement at the conclusion of Omani Foreign Minister Badr Al-Busaidi’s visit to Tehran yesterday that they had agreed on a proposed framework to establish a temporary joint maritime corridor through the Strait of Hormuz and to clear mines from the strait.