Foreign Minister Araghchi Says Future of Strait of Hormuz Depends on Iran and Oman

JAKARTA - Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the future of the Strait of Hormuz must be decided by Iran and Oman, describing the waterway as being within the waters of the two countries.

"What arrangements are made (regarding the Strait of Hormuz) after the war is the business of Iran and Oman," Foreign Minister Araghchi told a Qatari TV channel, reported by Al Arabiya (2/4).

He further said the strait "can be a waterway of peace" for safe navigation, but said ensuring maritime security and environmental protection would require a joint mechanism between coastal countries.

Although some of the strait is within the territorial waters of Iran and Oman, the strait is classified as an international strait, which gives ships and aircraft transit rights under international law.

The Strait of Hormuz is a vital global shipping lane that has been severely disrupted by the war in the Middle East. In peacetime, about a fifth of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) flows through the waterway.

The conflict began on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched an attack on Iran, which prompted Tehran to retaliate across the region and restrict access to the strait.

Foreign Minister Araghchi said access is currently limited to vessels from countries not involved in the conflict.

"It is natural that in wartime we cannot allow our enemies to use our waters for navigation," he said, adding that many ships had avoided the route due to security concerns and rising insurance costs.

He said several countries had held talks with Iran, and arrangements had been made - particularly for "friendly" countries - to allow safe passage.