Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi stated on the 14th (local time) that Iran will not be the first to request negotiations with the United States. According to Iran's state-run IRNA news agency, Gharibabadi emphasized that Iran will not retreat from its principled position on the Strait of Hormuz due to pressure. The statement comes amid ongoing tensions over shipping route management in the strategic waterway, where Iran and Oman recently held negotiations in Muscat regarding separate northern and southern transit corridors.
Iran Rejects US Pressure on Hormuz Strait Position
Gharibabadi explained that he received a phone call from a European foreign ministry official requesting Iran return to the negotiation table and fulfill its obligations. He responded: "I told him you do not seem to know the current reality accurately. Iran has not left the negotiation table."
The deputy foreign minister criticized US tactics, stating: "If the United States thinks it can make Iran request negotiations through increased pressure and military action, that is a big miscalculation. If the US thinks Iran will retreat from its position on the Strait of Hormuz or ease currently implemented restrictive measures through these actions, that is also a wrong judgment."
Gharibabadi Proposes Alternative Shipping Route to Oman
Gharibabadi directed criticism toward Oman regarding the strait management. He stated: "Oman, as one of the coastal states, has its own rights and authority. However, it must also consider the reality that Iran is in a wartime situation, and measures that endanger Iran's national security should not be taken."
The deputy minister detailed Iran's proposal: "Our request is to temporarily suspend and close the southern route for ship traffic. Instead, we proposed a new route for ships' entry and exit to Oman after consultation with military commanders responsible for controlling the Strait of Hormuz."
Gharibabadi explained the proposal's intent: "Our suggestion is not to use either the northern or southern route, but to have ships use this new route. This way, security is ensured, tension and conflict occurrence are prevented, and ultimately all parties can return to fulfilling their respective obligations."
Iran-Oman Muscat Negotiations Address Two-Route Management
Gharibabadi stated: "In fact, Iran showed maximum goodwill in this (Muscat) negotiation. However, we also emphasized that the use of the southern route is unacceptable to us under any circumstances."
Iran and Oman are countries bordering the Strait of Hormuz. The strait's northern side is close to Iran, while the southern side is close to Oman. The two countries negotiated in Muscat last week. According to US broadcaster CNN, Oman proposed managing the Strait of Hormuz as two separate routes divided into north and south.
Under this arrangement, tankers and other vessels could use the southern route on Oman's side. The northern route remains closer to Iranian waters.
FAQ
What did Iran's deputy foreign minister state on the 14th regarding US negotiations?
Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, stated that Iran will not be the first to request negotiations with the United States. He emphasized Iran will not retreat from its principled position on the Strait of Hormuz due to pressure.
What alternative shipping route did Iran propose to Oman?
Iran proposed a new shipping route after consultation with military commanders responsible for controlling the Strait of Hormuz. Gharibabadi stated Iran requested temporary suspension of the southern route and suggested ships use this new alternative route instead of either the northern or southern routes, claiming this would ensure security and prevent tensions.
