Future of Strait of Hormuz rests with Iran and Oman, Araghchi says

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the future of the Strait of Hormuz should be decided by Iran and Oman, describing the waterway as lying within the two countries’ waters.

“What arrangements are made [regarding the Strait of Hormuz] after the war is a matter for Iran and Oman,” Araghchi told a Qatari TV channel on Tuesday.

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He added that the strait “can be a waterway of peace” for safe passage, but said ensuring maritime security and environmental protection would require a joint mechanism between the coastal states.

While parts of the strait fall within the territorial waters of Iran and Oman, it is classified as an international strait, granting ships and aircraft the right of transit passage under international law.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global shipping route that has been severely disrupted by the Middle East war. In peacetime, roughly a fifth of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) flows through the waterway.

The conflict began on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran, prompting Tehran to retaliate across the region and restrict access to the strait.

Araghchi said access is currently limited to ships from countries not involved in the conflict.

“It is natural that in times of war we cannot allow our enemies to use our waters for navigation,” he said, adding that many vessels have avoided the route due to security concerns and rising insurance costs.

He said some countries had held talks with Iran, and that arrangements had been made – particularly for “friendly” states – to allow safe passage.

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