Iranian officials denied reports that the Strait of Hormuz had been closed again, saying commercial vessels continue to pass safely under the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding while broader talks remain pending.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Iran said Friday that commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is continuing safely, rejecting reports that authorities had again closed the critical maritime route after signing a memorandum of understanding with the United States.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Iran had taken steps required under the agreement to maintain merchant traffic through the strait.
“Iran has taken the necessary measures to ensure the safe passage of merchant ships through the Strait of Hormuz, in accordance with the memorandum of understanding on the end of the war, and maritime traffic continues on this route,” Baqaei said in remarks released by the ministry.
His statement came after several international media reports said Iranian authorities had restricted traffic through the waterway.
According to The New York Post, a statement broadcast Friday over maritime radio channels by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said Iran would not reopen the strait until several conditions in the U.S.-Iran agreement were met.
“Since Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon, the complete lifting of the naval blockade and the withdrawal of American terrorist forces from the Persian Gulf and the region are among the main conditions of the agreement between Iran and the United States,” the broadcast reportedly said.
“The Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until these conditions are met,” it added. “All ships are requested, for the sake of their security and safety, not to approach the Strait of Hormuz. Any vessel that defies this directive will be targeted.”
Baqaei disputed that account, saying shipping activity remains normal under the memorandum signed this week by President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
The agreement followed months of conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States. It provides for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and establishes a 60-day negotiation period on unresolved issues, including Iran’s nuclear program.
The Strait of Hormuz is among the world’s most important energy chokepoints. Roughly one-fifth of global oil shipments and large volumes of liquefied natural gas move through the narrow waterway, making any disruption a potential threat to global energy markets.
Iranian officials also addressed nuclear negotiations Friday. Baqaei said talks with the United States will proceed within the 60-day period established by the agreement and will depend on both sides complying with the memorandum’s terms.
He said Iran’s nuclear program remains in its current status during the negotiation period. He also indicated that the International Atomic Energy Agency will not inspect newly established facilities during that time.
Baqaei said any future changes involving inspections or Iran’s nuclear activities will depend on the outcome of negotiations.
Iran’s National Security Council separately announced Thursday that commercial ships seeking passage through the Strait of Hormuz will not be charged transit fees for 60 days.
The council said Iran’s government will cover those fees during the temporary period as part of the preliminary arrangement with Washington.
That announcement followed confirmation from the U.S. military that the blockade on Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz had been lifted after the memorandum was signed.
The agreement also calls for Iran to continue discussions with Oman about future administration and maritime services in the strait. Iranian officials said those talks will include consultation with other Persian Gulf states as part of longer-term efforts to manage the waterway.
While the memorandum is being presented as a step toward regional stabilization, major disputes remain unresolved. Those include Iran’s nuclear program, regional security arrangements, maritime enforcement and the broader fallout from months of military confrontation.
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