Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has clarified that the Strait of Hormuz will only be reopened if the United States agrees to terms mandated by Tehran. This assertion challenges recent speculation that current talks between Iran and Oman would result in an immediate resumption of traffic through the critical shipping lane.
Hossein Mohebbi, an IRGC spokesperson, informed the Tasnim news agency that the status of the strait remains distinct from any diplomatic engagements with Oman. According to Mohebbi, any potential reopening is subject to defined criteria established by Iranian authorities.
These remarks follow suggestions from an American official that diplomatic progress between Iran and Muscat might soon alleviate pressures on global oil shipments by reopening the route. While the Iranian Foreign Ministry previously mentioned collaboration with Oman regarding the management of the waterway, officials in Tehran have consistently signaled that full access is linked to the lifting of American sanctions on Iranian maritime activities.
