Strait of Hormuz Still Closed, Says Iran
TEHRAN — Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi has reaffirmed that the Strait of Hormuz remains completely closed, stating that any ship passing through does so only with Iran’s coordination and permission. He rejected as false the U.S. claim that vessels can transit the strait freely.According to Gharibabadi, an agreement on shipping movement through Hormuz…
TEHRAN — Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi has reaffirmed that the Strait of Hormuz remains completely closed, stating that any ship passing through does so only with Iran’s coordination and permission. He rejected as false the U.S. claim that vessels can transit the strait freely.
According to Gharibabadi, an agreement on shipping movement through Hormuz has been reached between Iran and Oman, but the strait will not be formally reopened until the United States fulfills its commitments. He said implementing the arrangement was Washington’s responsibility.
The U.S. and Iran had signed a ceasefire understanding on June 18 aimed at ending fighting across the region, giving both sides 60 days to reach a final agreement. That deadline lapsed on August 17, and the future of talks remains uncertain amid rising tensions last month. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global trade route for oil and gas, meaning any prolonged disruption could affect global energy markets and major oil-importing nations, including India.
Separately, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the U.S. of manipulating global energy markets through media narratives to prolong the conflict, adding that ordinary Americans are bearing the economic costs of the war.
