On June 29 (local time), according to Xinhua, Iran affirmed that the management of the Hormuz Strait in the future will be decided by Iran and Oman, and said that this strategic maritime route will not return to the state before the conflict between Iran and the US and Israel.
Speaking on IRIB national television, Mr. Kazem Gharibabadi - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran in charge of legal and international affairs - said Tehran's current priority is to reach consensus with Oman on a new management mechanism for the Strait of Hormuz.
According to him, if for any reason Oman does not want to continue participating, Iran will still implement the necessary measures itself.
Our priority is to reach an agreement with Oman. However, if that cannot be done, Iran will continue to pursue its plan," he said.
Mr. Gharibabadi said Oman also shared the view that the management of the Strait of Hormuz should not return to the previous model and related maritime services will no longer be provided free of charge.
The Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister emphasized that the two countries have the right to decide on the management and coordination of maritime traffic in this area.
On the same day, Mr. Gharibabadi posted a message on social network X, affirming that the mine clearing in the Strait of Hormuz was only carried out by Iran.
We will basically not allow any other country to take on that role," he wrote.
This statement was made after French President Emmanuel Macron said Paris would coordinate with partners to participate in mine clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz.
In response, Iran said that the current situation is still very sensitive and warned outside countries not to take actions that increase tensions.
We strongly advise France not to make the situation more complicated by provocative actions," Mr. Gharibabadi said.
Previously, on June 25, Iran and Oman issued a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to ensuring freedom and safety of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with international law.
The two sides also agreed to establish a joint working group between the ministries of foreign affairs to build a new management mechanism for sea transport activities and related services.
According to the Oman Foreign Ministry, the first meeting of the Joint Committee on the Strait of Hormuz took place in the capital Muscat on June 29 to discuss the future of this strategic maritime route.
The Strait of Hormuz is currently one of the world's most important oil transport routes, connecting the Persian Gulf with the Arab Sea and playing a special role in global energy security.
