Iran's Lead Negotiator: Strait of Hormuz to Be Administered by Tehran
Iran’s lead negotiator and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf stressed that the Strait of Hormuz will never return to the way it was before the war waged by the United States and Israel against the Islamic Republic, adding that the strategic waterway will be administered by Tehran.
Speaking during his return from four-way talks in Switzerland, Qalibaf said on Monday that the recent accord between Iran and the US has fundamentally changed the situation in the Strait of Hormuz.“Everyone should know that the administration of the Strait of Hormuz will never go back to the way it was before the war,” he stated, adding, “Of course, international regulations will be observed, but Iran will administer the Strait of Hormuz.”
Iran shut down the Strait of Hormuz to its enemies and their allies after the US-Israeli onslaught in late February. Iranian authorities began enforcing much stricter controls following US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a blockade targeting Iranian vessels and ports.The Strait of Hormuz is responsible for a fifth of the global oil supply, and Iran’s restrictions have caused a major surge in international oil and commodity prices since they were imposed in April.In mid-June, Iran and the United States finalized the text of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at ending the war. The MoU contributed to a temporary reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to the US naval blockade against Iran.
Qalibaf also announced that the lifting of the oil blockade occurred simultaneously with the signing of the agreement.He said sanctions related to oil exports, petrochemicals, banking, insurance, and transportation were lifted until a final agreement is reached.He also confirmed that the release of Iran’s blocked funds, including two tranches of $6 billion, was finalized during the Switzerland talks.“Ending the war and lifting the siege was achieved through dialogue, as a method of struggle, and by relying on the power of the field,” the speaker added.“If problems arise in implementation, we can respond both with missiles and through negotiations,” he continued.
09:52 - 2 تیر 1405