TEHRAN — Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said Wednesday that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the United States ends its military campaign and lifts its economic blockade. Iran also demanded resolution of the conflict in Yemen as a condition for reopening the waterway.
Gharibabadi told state news agency IRNA that Iran closed the strait after the United States failed to meet commitments under a June memorandum of understanding. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had previously threatened Iran with "economic asphyxiation" through new sanctions.
The strait normally handles roughly one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas exports. Traffic has been largely paralyzed for nearly six months due to Iran's blockade and a subsequent U.S. naval counter-blockade of Iranian ports.
Iran and Oman are discussing a "phased framework" for transit, according to a joint statement. The framework includes establishing a "joint temporary navigational corridor" through the strait and implementing a "joint project to clear the Strait of mines," according to talks between the two coastal states.
Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi expressed hope Tuesday that Iran and Oman would "soon announce" the temporary corridor.
Iran's top diplomat Abbas Araghchi said Tuesday that the proposed framework demonstrated his country's commitment to regional stability through diplomacy with neighbors. Both nations have sought a plan to regulate transit as outlined in the June memorandum.
Gharibabadi stated that no military vessel from any country would be permitted to pass through the strait. Iranian authorities would monitor commercial vessels seeking to cross the area.
U.S. President Donald Trump asserted on Truth Social that "all mines have been removed and/or detonated from within the International Waters of the Strait of Hormuz," citing the U.S. Navy. Gharibabadi dismissed the claim Wednesday as "propaganda deception."
The Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister warned that Iran would target any U.S. minesweepers attempting to enter the area.
The Middle East war expanded in July when Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen ended a 2022 truce with the Saudi-backed government. Yemen has experienced over a decade of civil conflict.
