Hormuz Closed: Iran Demands US Honor Commitments to Reopen Waterway
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warns the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the US honors the Islamabad MoU and Tehran's terms.
In a high-stakes diplomatic escalation, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has announced that the Strait of Hormuz closed to maritime traffic will remain so until the United States accepts Tehran's specific conditions and fulfills its existing diplomatic obligations. The announcement, made during an interview with Iraq's Al-Ikhbariya network and relayed by state broadcaster IRIB, signals a period of intense tension over one of the world's most critical shipping lanes.
The Demand: The Islamabad MoU
Foreign Minister Araghchi was explicit about the prerequisite for reopening the waterway. He asserted that Washington must first adhere to the terms of the previously signed Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) before any broader diplomatic negotiations can commence.
"Our position on the Strait of Hormuz is clear and unambiguous," Araghchi stated. "The American side must accept our conditions to open the strait to ships and vessels. Before such an understanding or agreement is reached, the strait will naturally be closed, and the movement of ships and vessels through the strait and existing routes will face problems."
Tehran has made it clear that it will not engage in fresh discussions regarding other geopolitical issues until the United States honors the promises made within the framework of the Islamabad MoU.
The 'Seven-Day Plan' and Failed Timelines
Despite the closure, Araghchi revealed that indirect communications between Tehran and Washington are still active, facilitated by regional intermediaries, specifically Pakistan and Qatar. He highlighted a specific Iranian initiative known as the "Seven-Day Plan," which was designed to provide a clear timeline for the restoration of maritime traffic.
According to the Foreign Minister, the plan was structured so that the Strait of Hormuz would be fully reopened by the sixth day of the period. While he noted that Washington had signaled its agreement, the process stalled when the U.S. attempted to introduce additional clauses on topics that Iran believes had already been settled in previous discussions.
Defying Pressure and Sanctions
Addressing the ongoing economic and military pressure from the West, Araghchi dismissed the notion that coercion would force Iran into submission. He acknowledged that the country is currently navigating a "deep quagmire" characterized by military threats and the imposition of new economic sanctions.
However, he warned Washington that these measures are ineffective, claiming that U.S. efforts to prevent neighboring states from cooperating with Iran have not yielded positive results. "Iran will not surrender in any way, neither to economic sanctions nor to military threats," he affirmed, insisting that diplomacy is the only viable solution.
The Legal Status of the Waterway
In a significant assertion of sovereignty, Araghchi clarified Iran's legal stance on the Strait of Hormuz, rejecting the idea that it consists of international waters.
- Territorial Claim: Araghchi stated that the strait is located entirely within the internal waters of Iran and Oman.
- Agreed Routes: He emphasized that if the strait reopens, ships must follow the specific route agreed upon by Iran and Oman, rather than any other path.
- International Registration: The Minister noted that Iran and Oman have already reached an agreement regarding these shipping lanes and are currently awaiting international registration.