Negotiations between Iran and Oman over the Strait of Hormuz concern vessel movement and navigation routes, not reopening the strategic waterway, a senior Iranian lawmaker said.
Behnam Saeedi, first secretary of Iran’s Parliament National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, said the talks “are in no way about” reopening the strait.
President Trump has said a deal could be announced as soon as Thursday.
Saeedi said in an interview with The Young Journalists Club, which is affiliated with Iranian state television, that such discussions would only happen after the U.S. ends threats, lifts its blockade of Iranian ports, leaves the region and a ceasefire is declared.
“This issue should not be confused with the negotiations that are currently taking place, and it should not be assumed that these talks mean the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz,” Saeedi said.
He described the strait as a strategic asset and deterrence tool.
“The Strait of Hormuz is an achievement and a deterrent tool available to the Islamic Republic of Iran, and this tool is being used effectively,” he said. “As long as the Americans do not address the issues I mentioned, there is no reason for the Strait of Hormuz to be reopened.”
Saeedi said vessels using the route would require permission, can’t be military ships, and would have to follow regulations and pay service fees.
“The decision-maker regarding the Strait of Hormuz is the Islamic Republic of Iran. Negotiations are being held with Oman as a coastal state, and if it accepts Iran’s conditions, an agreement will be reached,” he said.