Iran Proposes Expanding Its Control Zone in Strait of Hormuz to Oman

▲ Kazem Gharibabadi, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister

As a precondition for resuming navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has proposed expanding its control zone in the strait to the Omani side, another coastal nation along the waterway.

In particular, Iran stated that it will not open the strait if an agreement is not reached with Oman—which had proposed dividing control of the Strait of Hormuz in half for independent management by each side.

During an interview with Iran's state-run IRIB broadcaster on the 28th local time, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated that Iran proposed to Oman that one-way shipping lanes as well as a portion of the lanes in the opposite direction be included within Iranian territorial waters to resume navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

He also added that Iran rejected Oman's proposal to divide the shipping lanes of the Strait of Hormuz into north and south sections for separate management by Iran and Oman.

Pointing out that "unless long-term regional stability is secured, Oman's proposal fails to address Iran's security concerns," Gharibabadi asked, "What would the outcome have been if Iran had continued to allow navigation activities through that corridor to Oman?"

In particular, he made it clear that full freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz cannot be permitted on the grounds that it would render their success in the war incomplete.

"Iran's policy is that the Strait of Hormuz will never return to its pre-war state," Gharibabadi said. "If the strait returns to its pre-war state, our success in this war will remain incomplete."

He went on to claim, "The Strait of Hormuz is part of Iran's security and a source of national defense capability," adding, "The world must know that the Islamic Republic of Iran has upgraded its defensive measures."

He did not hesitate to issue direct military threats against the West and express his refusal to engage in dialogue.

"Any European vessel approaching the Strait of Hormuz is our legitimate target," Gharibabadi said, dismissing the possibility of negotiations with the U.S. and the West by asking, "How can we enter into new negotiations when the other side has repeatedly violated its promises in past talks?"

Gharibabadi also issued an ultimatum-style remark, stating, "If we fail to reach an agreement with Oman, we will continue on our own path regarding the Strait of Hormuz," and "If Oman rejects the proposal, the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed."

Furthermore, he repeatedly emphasized, "We will under no circumstances recognize the southern lanes of the strait (along the Omani coast)."

Previously, it was reported that Oman proposed a plan during a foreign ministerial meeting with Iran on the 11th to manage vessel traffic in the Strait of Hormuz through two separate routes.

In addition, according to a Reuters report that day, Oman proposed establishing a joint management system for the Strait of Hormuz, which includes the voluntary collection of tolls by Iran.

(Photo: Captured from IRIB Telegram channel, Yonhap News)

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