Iran and Oman reach general consensus on Strait of Hormuz framework, lawmaker says

A general framework has been largely agreed upon during negotiations between Iran and Oman regarding the Strait of Hormuz, though final approval remains pending from higher authorities, the spokesperson for the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee announced.

Speaking in a televised interview, Hassan Ghashghavi, representative for Rabat Karim and Baharestan, confirmed media reports indicating that talks between Tehran and Muscat are nearing a final resolution.

"I believe these reports are accurate," Ghashghavi stated. "A general framework for the Iran-Oman negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz has been largely agreed upon; however, final views must still be rendered at higher leadership levels."

Ghashghavi added that officials are waiting for top authorities to review both the final agreement and a joint statement designed to clarify key principles, expressing confidence that official details will be announced soon.

Turning to the legal framework of the waterway, Ghashghavi stated that maritime transit through the Strait of Hormuz traces back to the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) rules. He noted that Iran approved these guidelines in 1968, followed by confirmation from the International Maritime Organization (IMO). He asserted that international law, parliamentary legislation, and Article 5 of the Iran-U.S. Memorandum of Understanding demonstrate that Iran’s operational measures in the Strait of Hormuz are legally grounded.

U.S. pressure and alleged breach of understanding

Ghashghavi stated that following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Iran and the U.S. on June 18 by both presidents, domestic criticism mounted within the United States within five days.

According to Ghashghavi, Zionist lobbies and several regional states pressured President Trump, questioning his decision to agree under Article 5 to an Iranian-managed arrangement in the Strait of Hormuz. He alleged that Washington breached the agreement a week later, beginning with Marco Rubio's visit to the Persian Gulf region on June 25, where he met with representatives of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

He asserted that extensive diplomatic and media efforts by the U.S. to alter the understanding eventually transitioned into military actions, even as Iran continued to operate strictly within the bounds of Article 5.

Ghashghavi claimed U.S. forces issued military threats against transiting vessels and used CENTCOM communications to demand ships navigate exclusively through the southern corridor of the strait. He further alleged that while the Iranian President and Foreign Minister were traveling to Iraq for funeral services, military equipment and personnel were transported covertly aboard commercial vessels. He stated that after incidents occurred involving several ships, the U.S. attributed blame to Iran, initiating a 13-day round-the-clock conflict.

Iranian management and traffic controls at the Strait

Ghashghavi maintained that opponents had failed to calculate Iran's intelligence capabilities or its response to contract breaches. He outlined three core pillars for maritime passage through the strait: entry and exit routing, route management, and associated fees.

"I state with confidence that both the entry and exit points of the maritime route through the Strait of Hormuz will be subject to Iranian management and control," Ghashghavi said, adding that charging fees for navigation services and environmental protection is standard practice.

However, Ghashghavi clarified that this framework does not mean the Strait of Hormuz will reopen immediately tomorrow. He emphasized that the U.S. must fulfill other commitments set forth in the Islamabad Agreement, including sanctions relief, preventing hostile vessels from entering, and fulfilling obligations regarding Lebanon.

He reiterated Iran's commitment to its formal pledges, citing its historic adherence to UN Resolution 598.

Alignment between diplomacy and military leadership

Ghashghavi stressed that alignment among Iranian diplomatic channels, military fields, and the central government has reached unprecedented levels.

"Today, everyone is unified," Ghashghavi remarked, stating that all bodies operate under the authority of the Supreme Leader to prioritize national security and national interests.

Concluding his remarks, Ghashghavi claimed that American media coverage reflects growing supply constraints in U.S. weaponry, forcing a return to diplomatic channels. He reiterated that Iran will continue to act in accordance with its national interests under the direction of the Supreme Leader.

Source : ISNA
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