Amid tensions between the United States and Iran surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, Iran announced on the 2nd (local time) that consultations with Oman regarding the management of the strait are in their final stages.

During an interview with state television that day, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated, "We will reach an agreement on a shipping route that is acceptable to both sides." He added, "It will not be the northern route nor the southern route, but a route that respects the sovereignty of both nations and safeguards our national interests and security."

He went on to mention the provisions of the memorandum of understanding on ending the war, stating, "In accordance with Article 5 of the ceasefire agreement, the future management of the Strait of Hormuz must be carried out by Iran through consultations with Oman and dialogue with regional countries."

He emphasized, "Under no circumstances will the Strait of Hormuz ever return to its past state."

Baghaei further claimed, "For 22 to 23 days after the implementation of the agreement began, the northern route of the strait remained completely safe and vessels were passing through normally."

He then shifted the blame for the recent armed conflict onto the United States, stating, "However, even before the 30-day deadline for the full normalization of maritime traffic to its pre-war state had expired, they committed an 'act of aggression' against Iran."

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also stated in a briefing just before a cabinet meeting that day that negotiations with Oman regarding the Strait of Hormuz have reached their final stages.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)