Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that negotiations with Oman on the management of the Strait of Hormuz are nearing conclusion. Speaking at a cabinet meeting, Araghchi said positive progress had been made in the talks between Tehran and Muscat.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baghaei shared details on the matter. Baghaei stated that under the fifth article of the memorandum of understanding that ended the conflict, the future management of the strait would remain Iran's responsibility and would be carried out in consultation with Oman and in dialogue with regional countries.
Spokesperson Baghaei noted that during the first 22 to 23 days of the agreement's implementation, the northern navigation lane of the strait was calm and ships passed through without incident. However, he said that before the 30-day period set for maritime traffic to return to normal had elapsed, one party disrupted the situation by launching an "attack against Iran."
Baghaei stressed that the new navigation route agreed upon between Iran and Oman has nothing to do with whether the strait is open or closed. He stated that this route would be neither the old northern corridor nor the current southern passage, but an entirely new lane determined by mutual agreement between the two countries.
Criticizing the continued use of the current southern route, Baghaei said, "This situation contributed to instability in the region and harmed Iran's national interests. Tehran will not accept this arrangement." He also warned the US, saying, "If the Americans seek further escalation, they will undoubtedly receive an appropriate and forceful response from us."
Revived efforts for the Islamabad agreement
Hassan Qashqavi, spokesperson for the Iranian parliament's National Security Committee, said mediators have intensified efforts to revive the Islamabad memorandum of understanding that halted the conflicts between Iran and the US.
Qashqavi stated that work to revive the 14-article agreement, brokered by Qatar and Pakistan, has accelerated, adding, "Everyone knows that the fundamental issue right now is the Strait of Hormuz, and exchanges of views on this are ongoing."
According to lawmaker Qashqavi, the agreement included provisions for the resumption of diplomatic efforts aimed at reaching a broader deal between Tehran and Washington concerning the Strait of Hormuz. It also contained an article aimed at ending the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Qashqavi noted that the agreement collapsed after the US and Iran accused each other of violating its terms.
Trump announces postponement of attack
These developments came after US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that, at the request of Tehran and some regional countries, he had postponed planned attacks on Iran on the condition that a swift agreement is reached.
Posting on his Truth Social platform, Trump said, "For the future interests of the world and for Iran to remain a successful country, I agreed to cancel the attack on the condition that a swift deal is reached. Israel is also on board with this."
