Iran and Oman could be close to opening a safe shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz, but Iran says the U.S. has to lift its blockade first.
Oman’s foreign minister said Tuesday he’s “hopeful” a temporary route will be announced “soon” after meeting with Iran. In a joint statement, Iran and Oman said the potential agreement would cover a specific shipping route and include a plan to clear dangerous mines.
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Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said Wednesday the U.S. must lift its blockade “before any action is taken to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.” He also said reopening the strait hinges on ending the war.
“Another issue is the termination of the war,” Gharibabadi told Iranian state broadcaster IRIB. “The termination of the war in a permanent and sustainable manner on all fronts, including Lebanon.”
Iranian army spokesperson Mohammad Akraminia also said Tehran plans to shift to an offensive position in the war. He said Iran has made significant progress in rebuilding infrastructure and has received new military equipment, according to Al Jazeera.
Akraminia said vessels seeking passage through the strait will be subject to Iranian surveillance and allowed through only with Tehran’s permission, according to the report.
Trump warns Iran against new mines
President Donald Trump is warning Iran against putting down any new mines, saying the U.S. will “immediately and systematically” destroy Iranian ships caught doing it.
Trump says the U.S. has cleared the mines already there and that Space Force is now watching the strait for any attempt to lay more.
“Iran has been notified that any ship or boat placing new mines will be immediately and systematically destroyed,” he said in a post on social media. “Through Space Force, we are watching every square inch of the Strait, as we are, also, with Pickaxe Mountain and the already destroyed three other Nuclear sites.”
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