Iran says reopening the Strait of Hormuz will depend on the United States ending what it described as a naval blockade, despite progress in talks with neighbouring Oman on jointly managing the strategic waterway.
Tehran said it has reached an understanding with Oman on a shipping route through the strait and is finalising a joint framework for managing maritime transit. However, Iranian officials insisted that restoring normal passage remains impossible unless Washington changes its military posture.
Speaking on Wednesday, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baqaei, said the United States remained the main obstacle to reopening one of the world’s busiest energy corridors.
According to Iran’s state news agency IRNA, Baqaei said the two countries had agreed on the geographical route for vessels passing through the strait, with a joint statement now in its final drafting stage.
“The geographical coordinates of the route envisaged by the two sides have been agreed upon and, if certain third parties do not obstruct the process, the joint statement of the two countries, containing the main considerations and points of agreement, is also in the final review and drafting stage.”
He cautioned that an agreement with Oman would not automatically make the waterway safe for international shipping.
“The factors making the Strait of Hormuz insecure still exist on the part of the United States, particularly the naval blockade and other aggressive and threatening actions against Iran and its interests.”
Iran has exercised de facto control over the Strait of Hormuz since the United States and Israel launched military operations against the country on February 28, warning that vessels using routes it considers unauthorised could face restrictions.
The latest remarks came after President Donald Trump repeatedly suggested Tehran was interested in reaching an agreement with Washington. Iran has rejected that claim, maintaining that no negotiations are taking place and that it is instead coordinating with Oman.
Fresh security incidents also underscored continuing risks in the region.
Britain’s maritime security agency, UKMTO, said the captain of an oil tanker reported hearing two explosions while transiting the Strait of Hormuz about nine nautical miles (17 kilometres) southeast of Kumzar, Oman. The vessel and its crew were reported safe.
Separately, Yemen’s Houthi movement claimed responsibility for missile strikes on two Saudi oil tankers, identifying the vessels as Wafa and Daisy. Saudi authorities had not commented at the time of reporting.
Before the conflict, the Strait of Hormuz handled about one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas exports, making it one of the world’s most critical energy routes. Continued disruption has contributed to volatility in global energy markets and increased diplomatic pressure on Washington.
US Vice President JD Vance acknowledged the complexity of engaging Iran, saying negotiations would likely be prolonged because of divisions within the country’s leadership.
“It’s going to be messy and it’s going to take some time to get there.”
“The reality… is that number one, the Iranians are extraordinarily difficult people. Number two, they have a fractured system.”
Iran continues to insist that vessels use a route close to its coastline, while many commercial ships have opted for a southern passage near Oman, where some have come under attack.
Tehran has also indicated it wants greater control over the strait, including the ability to impose transit tolls—an arrangement that would likely face strong opposition from the United States.
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