Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated on May 28 (local time) that the United States requested dialogue with Iran and sent a message via Oman pledging no military action against the country. Gharibabadi, who leads Iran's negotiating team with the US, told semi-official Tasnim News Agency that Iran has not requested negotiations with the US in the past 15 days. The statements come amid ongoing tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has asserted control as part of its national security strategy following conflict.
Iran Declares Hormuz Strait as National Security Asset
Gharibabadi stated that Iran's policy is to prevent the Strait of Hormuz from returning to its pre-war status. "If we had opened the southern route of the Strait of Hormuz, we would no longer be able to exercise sovereignty in the strait," he explained. The deputy minister emphasized that Iran does not fear any measures to solidify its sovereignty over the strait, stating that "even the resumption of war is not an exception."
Gharibabadi described the Strait of Hormuz as a new defensive capability that Iran has discovered. "The Strait of Hormuz has now become part of Iran's national security and has become Iran's defensive capability and defensive means," he said. He added that new measures applied to the Strait of Hormuz will have long-term effects on Iran's security, stating that "if the Strait of Hormuz returns to its pre-war state, our war victory is not complete."
Regarding the US maritime blockade, Gharibabadi stated it cannot bring Iran to negotiations. "Even in a blockade situation, we can procure a significant amount of supplies through multiple routes," he explained.
Oman Proposes 50-50 Route Management in Hormuz Strait
Gharibabadi revealed details of negotiations with Oman regarding the Strait of Hormuz. "There was a proposal to negotiate with Oman about a temporary route in the Strait of Hormuz, and if an agreement is reached, it would replace the existing northern and southern routes," he said. The Omani side proposed that 50% of the new route would be managed by Iran and 50% by Oman. Gharibabadi stated that Iran told Oman this proposal does not address Iran's concerns.
The deputy minister emphasized that Iran does not officially recognize the southern route for even a single hour.
Iran Demands Full Control of Entry Route in Counter-Proposal
Iran proposed that the entry route be placed entirely under Iranian control, and that Iran should also control part of the exit route. "If they accept this, we will move to the next stage," Gharibabadi explained. He warned that if Oman does not accept Iran's proposal regarding the Strait of Hormuz, the strait will remain closed and Iran is preparing for the resumption of war.
Gharibabadi reiterated that Iran's proposal is to place one route of the strait entirely under Iranian control and for Iran to control part of the other route. "This scenario is our final position, and Iran will not accept any other method," he stated.
FAQ
What did Iran propose to Oman regarding the Strait of Hormuz route on May 28?
Iran proposed that the entry route be placed entirely under Iranian control and that Iran should also control part of the exit route. This counter-proposal came after Oman suggested a 50-50 management split for a new temporary route. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated this is Iran's final position and the country will not accept any other arrangement.
Why does Iran refuse to recognize the southern route of the Strait of Hormuz?
Iran's policy is to prevent the Strait of Hormuz from returning to its pre-war status to maintain sovereignty over the waterway. Gharibabadi explained that if Iran had opened the southern route, the country would no longer be able to exercise sovereignty in the strait. Iran views the Strait of Hormuz as part of its national security and defensive capability, and does not officially recognize the southern route for even a single hour.
