Iran has stated that the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to full commercial traffic depends on the United States lifting its blockade, even as Tehran and Muscat finalize a joint management agreement for the waterway.
The assertion introduces a significant geopolitical hurdle to the bilateral deal, suggesting that regional cooperation alone may not be sufficient to normalize shipping flows without broader diplomatic resolution.
This development follows Iran's announcement that it is in the final stages of drafting an agreement with Oman to reopen the Strait, while explicitly denying US involvement in those specific negotiations.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi previously emphasized that responsibility for reopening the Strait rests solely with Tehran, rejecting external pressure to unilaterally restore transit access.
The new condition regarding the US blockade adds a layer of complexity to these technical talks, potentially delaying the implementation of any agreed-upon routing or management protocols.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies, and any ambiguity regarding its status continues to weigh on shipping and energy markets.