By Zainab Bakare
Iran says reopening the Strait of Hormuz now depends on the United States ending what it describes as a naval blockade and other hostile actions against Tehran.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Iran and neighbouring Oman have agreed on a shipping route through the strategic waterway and are finalising plans for its joint management.
However, Baqaei said the route cannot fully reopen unless the US lifts restrictions it says are making the strait unsafe for international shipping.
The Strait of Hormuz has remained a major flashpoint since the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel escalated earlier this year.
Despite progress in talks with Oman, Iran warned that security risks remain. On Wednesday, the captain of an oil tanker reported hearing two explosions while passing through the strait, although the vessel and crew were unharmed.
Meanwhile, Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for fresh attacks on two Saudi oil tankers, adding to concerns over maritime security in the region.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s busiest energy routes, carrying about 20 percent of global oil and liquefied natural gas exports before the conflict disrupted shipping.
