Isfahan: Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced on Wednesday that the strategic Hormuz Strait would remain closed until the United States adheres to Tehran's conditions and returns to the previously established memorandum of understanding between the two nations. This declaration was made by IRGC spokesman Hossein Mohibi during a press briefing in Isfahan.
According to Anadolu Agency, Mohibi emphasized that the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz would only occur if the US ceases its obstruction and complies with the terms outlined in the memorandum. He firmly stated, "If the US does not accept our conditions, the Strait of Hormuz will under no circumstances be reopened." The spokesman highlighted that the strait is currently under Iranian control, with no presence of "enemy military vessels" in its waters.
Mohibi further disclosed that all hostile vessels are now positioned at least 400 kilometers (248 miles) away from the strait. He stressed that no vessel is allowed passage through the waterway without Tehran's explicit permission. He also revealed that Iran had engaged in discussions with Oman a month ago, resulting in mutually agreeable understandings regarding each country's share of the strait's waters and the transit revenues associated with it.
The IRGC spokesperson accused Washington of hindering progress, which has delayed reaching a comprehensive agreement. On the previous day, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi mentioned that Tehran and Oman had settled on a temporary seven-mile-wide transit route through the Hormuz Strait. However, he clarified that this arrangement does not signify the waterway's reopening. Further negotiations are expected to establish a permanent route, contingent upon the US fulfilling its obligations under the Islamabad memorandum.
In mid-June, a 14-point memorandum of understanding was signed in Islamabad between Iran and the US, with mediation from Pakistan and Qatar. The agreement included provisions for ending hostilities, reopening the strait, lifting a US naval blockade, and initiating a 60-day negotiation process. Tehran maintains that the US has failed to implement crucial aspects of the memorandum, asserting that the strait will remain closed until Washington honors its commitments.