An Iranian official, speaking to the Tasnim news agency, has denied the accuracy of a report from the Axios website regarding discussions about the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that the strait lies within the internal and territorial waters of both Iran and Oman.
The official clarified that decisions concerning the strait's management are exclusively made by Iran and Oman, noting that any future arrangements will be based on bilateral dialogue between the two nations, in accordance with Article Five of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.
The official further stated that Qatar's involvement in the discussions is as a regional intermediary, merely facilitating the exchange of views among regional countries, and it has no role in decision-making related to the strait's management.
Iran's denial came in response to an Axios report which suggested that talks were taking place in Muscat between Iran and Oman, with Qatari negotiators participating, to issue a statement ensuring freedom of navigation and the opening of the central passageway in the Strait of Hormuz for vessels.
The denial coincided with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi's visit to Oman, where he held discussions with his Omani counterpart, Badr bin Hamad al-Busaidi. Their talks focused on developments regarding the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing regional efforts to de-escalate tensions and secure navigation safety in this crucial maritime corridor.
According to U.S. reports, President Donald Trump's administration had asked Iran to release an official statement affirming its commitment to not targeting commercial vessels and ensuring freedom of navigation, warning that failure to do so could impact opportunities for resuming negotiations between the two sides.