Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi revealed Tuesday that the United States transmitted messages through Omani intermediaries assuring Tehran that Washington would not take military action against Iran. Speaking on efforts regarding regional diplomacy, Gharibabadi asserted that Iranian officials have not sought discussions with American representatives in recent weeks.
"In the last 15 days we have not asked to hold negotiations with the US. The Americans are the ones who asked to hold talks with us, and even passed a message through Oman stating that they would not take military action against us," Gharibabadi stated. He emphasized that Washington should not be accustomed to striking at will before returning to diplomatic discussions.
Gharibabadi clarified that active dialogue is currently limited strictly to Omani officials regarding navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, denying any active negotiations with American intermediaries. Oman proposed a joint transit plan dividing route control equally between Muscat and Tehran, but Iranian authorities rejected the arrangement.
"We proposed that the entire entry route be under full Iranian control, and part of the exit route be under its control as well. If this proposal is accepted, we will move to the next stage, this is the final scenario and we will accept no other formula," Gharibabadi said. He warned that if Oman rejects these terms, the waterway will remain closed and Iran remains prepared for a resumption of war.
The deputy minister stressed that internal decisions will dictate any eventual reopening of the shipping lanes, noting that maritime access will not return to pre war conditions. "Iran is not afraid of any step required to establish its sovereignty in the strait, even if it leads to a renewal of the war," Gharibabadi warned.
Addressing foreign naval presence in regional waters, Gharibabadi issued explicit warnings to international forces operating in the area. "Any European warship that tries to approach the Straits of Hormuz is a legitimate target for us. We discovered a new defensive capability named the Straits of Hormuz, it has become part of Iran's national security, and constitutes a capability and means of defense for it," he added.
According to statements provided by diplomatic sources to Reuters, regional security analysts monitor shipping protocols closely as international commercial fleets seek guarantees for safe transit through critical maritime choke points.
