Iran says Hormuz reopening separate from Oman talks

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said negotiations with Oman on new shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz are "completely separate" from the reopening of the strategic waterway. The Strait of Hormuz has remained closed to normal commercial traffic since the outbreak of war between the US and Iran. Araghchi told Shahrara News that a temporary route was being designed that could later become permanent, but that the resumption of shipping would depend on the US meeting conditions.

The remarks come as a memorandum of understanding signed in June between the US and Iran expires on Monday, with little sign of an extension. Times Now reports the agreement, intended to end more than three months of conflict, has been disputed by both sides, each accusing the other of violations. Free Press Journal reports that US President Donald Trump said he would declare the Strait of Hormuz US territory after defeating Iran, while Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said the waterway "cannot be seized by tweet".

Araghchi said Tehran had not yet decided whether to resume talks with Washington. Analysts say the recent appointment of former Revolutionary Guard commander Mohsen Rezaei to head Iran's Supreme National Security Council could signal a tougher stance in any future negotiations.