Iran Reiterates Stance on Strait of Hormuz Management Amidst Talks

Tehran. Iran has clarified that its stance on the management of the Strait of Hormuz has not changed. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baghei said that although talks are ongoing with Oman at political and technical levels, the possibility of direct talks with the United States has been denied. 

According to Baghei, an Omani delegation met with Iranian officials in Tehran on Friday and Saturday. He stated that some progress has been made in the talks, but the dialogue between the two sides is mainly focused on how to operate maritime transport in the Strait of Hormuz. 

According to Iranian officials, the exchange of messages between the US and Iran is happening through intermediaries. However, no direct talks are taking place with Washington. Oman has reportedly put forward a proposal to form a joint mechanism of regional countries for the security and operation of the Strait of Hormuz. According to the proposal, ships would be able to use the waterway safely without paying any additional fees. However, Iran has indicated that it has not accepted the proposal. 

Iran has reiterated its support for a system where the management of the Strait of Hormuz remains under Iran's control. According to Iran's proposal, ships using the waterway would have to pay service fees. 

Although Iran has stated that progress has been made in the talks, its recent statements indicate that there has been no softening in Tehran's policy regarding the control and management of the Strait of Hormuz.